Reusable pipe integrity test head systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Techniques for implementing and operating a system that includes a pipe segment, which has tubing that defines a bore and a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the tubing, and a test head. The test head includes a shell, which defines an annulus cavity, and an inflatable bladder implemented in the annulus cavity, in which the system maintains the inflatable securing bladder in a less inflated state while pipe segment tubing is not present in the annulus cavity and increases inflation of the inflatable bladder to a more inflated state when the tubing is present in the annulus cavity to facilitate securing and sealing an open end of the pipe segment in the test head to enable integrity of the tubing to be tested at least in part by flowing a test fluid into the annulus of the tubing via a testing port on the shell.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/329,497, entitled “REUSABLE PIPE INTEGRITY TEST HEAD SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS” and filed May 25, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/930,999, entitled “REUSABLE PIPE INTEGRITY TESTHEAD SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed Jul. 16, 2020, and issued as U.S. Pat.No. 11,067,469, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/748,538, entitled “REUSABLE PIPE INTEGRITY TEST HEAD SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS,” filed on Jan. 21, 2020, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,739,225, which are each incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to pipeline systems and, moreparticularly, to a test head, which may be coupled to a pipe segmentdeployed in or to be deployed in a pipeline system, to facilitatetesting pipe segment integrity.

Pipeline systems are often implemented and/or operated to facilitatetransporting (e.g., conveying) fluid, such as liquid and/or gas, from afluid source to a fluid destination. For example, a pipeline system maybe used to transport one or more hydrocarbons, such as crude oil,petroleum, natural gas, or any combination thereof. Additionally oralternatively, a pipeline system may be used to transport one or moreother types of fluid, such as produced water, fresh water, fracturingfluid, flowback fluid, carbon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

To facilitate transporting fluid, a pipeline system may include one ormore pipe segments, for example, in addition to one or more pipe (e.g.,midline and/or end) fittings (e.g., connectors) used to couple a pipesegment to another pipe segment, to a fluid source, and/or to a fluiddestination. Generally, a pipe segment includes tubing, which defines(e.g., encloses) a bore that provides a primary fluid conveyance (e.g.,flow) path through the pipe segment. More specifically, the tubing of apipe segment may be implemented to facilitate isolating (e.g.,insulating) fluid being conveyed within its bore from environmentalconditions external to the pipe segment, for example, to reduce thelikelihood of the conveyed (e.g., bore) fluid being lost to the externalenvironmental conditions and/or the external environmental conditionscontaminating the conveyed fluid.

However, at least in some instances, the presence of one or moredefects, such as a breach, a kink, and/or a dent, on pipe segment tubingmay affect (e.g., reduce and/or compromise) its integrity and, thus, itsability to provide isolation (e.g., insulation). In other words, atleast in some instances, operating a pipeline system while a pipesegment deployed therein has an integrity compromising defect may affect(e.g., reduce) operational efficiency and/or operational reliability ofthe pipeline system, for example, due to the defect resulting inconveyed fluid being lost and/or contaminated by external environmentalconditions. As such, to facilitate improving pipeline system operationalefficiency and/or operational reliability, the integrity of one or morepipe segments deployed in or to be deployed in a pipeline system may betested, for example, before beginning and/or resuming normal operationof the pipeline system.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

In one embodiment, a system includes a pipe segment and a test head. Thepipe segment includes tubing that defines a bore and a fluid conduitimplemented in an annulus of the tubing. The test head includes a shellthat defines an annulus cavity, in which the shell includes a testingport that enables fluid flow into the annulus cavity. Additionally, thetest head includes an inflatable bladder implemented in the annuluscavity, in which the system maintains the inflatable securing bladder ina less inflated state while pipe segment tubing is not present in theannulus cavity of the test head and increases inflation of theinflatable bladder from the less inflated state to a more inflated statewhen the tubing of the pipe segment is present in the annulus cavity tofacilitate securing and sealing an open end of the pipe segment in thetest head to enable integrity of the tubing to be tested at least inpart by flowing a test fluid into the fluid conduit implemented in theannulus of the tubing via the testing port on the shell of the testhead.

In another embodiment, a method of deploying a test head includesmaintaining an inflatable fastener mechanism implemented in an annuluscavity of the test head in a less inflated state, in which theinflatable fastener mechanism includes an inflatable bladder implementedon a surface of a shell of the test head and the shell of the test headincludes a testing port fluidly coupled to the annulus cavity and aninflation port fluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder of theinflatable fastener mechanism. Additionally, the method includesinserting pipe segment tubing into the annulus cavity of the test headwhile the inflatable fastener mechanism is in the less inflated state,in which the pipe segment tubing includes a fluid conduit implemented inan annulus of the pipe segment tubing. Furthermore, the method includessecuring the pipe segment tubing in the annulus cavity of the test headat least in part by increasing inflation of the inflatable fastenermechanism from the less inflated state to a more inflated state whilethe pipe segment tubing is in the annulus cavity to enable integrity ofthe pipe segment tubing to be tested based at least in part on a fluidparameter change resulting from supply of a test fluid to the fluidconduit in the pipe segment tubing via the testing port.

In another embodiment, a reusable test head includes a shell thatdefines an annulus cavity to be used to interface with tubing of a pipesegment, in which the shell includes a testing port that enables fluidflow through the shell. Additionally, the reusable test head includes aninflatable fastener mechanism directly adjacent the annulus cavity, inwhich the inflatable fastener mechanism contracts inwardly as theinflatable fastener mechanism is transitioned from a more inflated stateto a less inflated state and expands outwardly into the annulus cavityas the inflatable fastener mechanism is transitioned from the lessinflated state to the more inflated state to facilitate testingintegrity of the pipe segment at least in part by securing and sealingan open end of the tubing in the annulus cavity to enable fluid flowbetween the testing port on the shell and a fluid conduit implementedwithin the tubing of the pipe segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a pipeline system includingpipe segments and pipe fittings (e.g., connectors), in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a pipe segment of FIG. 1 thatincludes a bore defined by its tubing as well as fluid conduitsimplemented within an annulus of its tubing, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of the pipe segment of FIG. 2with a helically shaped fluid conduit implemented within the annulus ofits tubing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a testing system implementedand/or operated to test integrity of one or more pipe segments deployedin or to be deployed in the pipeline system of FIG. 1, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example of a process for operating thetesting system of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of a portion of the testingsystem of FIG. 4, which includes a reusable test head implemented withone or more inflatable (e.g., reusable) fastener mechanisms, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of the reusable test head ofFIG. 6 coupled to the pipe segment of FIG. 2, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an example of thereusable test head of FIG. 7 that includes a bore cavity, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another example of thereusable test head of FIG. 7 that does not include a bore cavity, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another example of thereusable test head of FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example of a process for implementing(e.g., manufacturing) the reusable test head of FIG. 6, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is perspective cross-sectional view of another example of thereusable test head, which includes a spacer mechanism, and pipe segmentof FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a portion of thereusable test head, which includes axially aligned inflatable fastenermechanisms, and pipe segment of FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head, which includes axially offset inflatablefastener mechanisms, and pipe segment of FIG. 7, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head of FIG. 6 that includes a set of inflatablebladders with different cross-section profiles, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head of FIG. 6 that includes another set ofinflatable bladders with different cross-section profiles, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head of FIG. 6 that includes another removable endring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head of FIG. 6 that includes a removable end ring,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head, which includes a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism, and pipe segment of FIG. 7, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a portionof the reusable test head, which includes another pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism, and pipe segment of FIG. 7, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is side view of another example of the reusable test head ofFIG. 6, which includes an axial fastener mechanism, coupled to a pipesegment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an example of an axial fastener clampincluded in the axial fastener mechanism of FIG. 21, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a side view of another example of the reusable test of FIG.6, which includes another axial fastener mechanism, coupled to a pipesegment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of an example process for deploying thereusable test head of FIG. 6 on a pipe segment, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of an example of a process for testingintegrity of a pipe segment, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of an example process for removing thereusable test head of FIG. 6 from a pipe segment, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below with reference to the figures. As used herein, the term“coupled” or “coupled to” may indicate establishing either a direct orindirect connection and, thus, is not limited to either unless expresslyreferenced as such. The term “set” may refer to one or more items.Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in thefigures to identify common or the same features. The figures are notnecessarily to scale. In particular, certain features and/or certainviews of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes ofclarification.

The present disclosure generally relates to pipeline systems that may beimplemented and/or operated to transport (e.g., convey) fluid, such asliquid and/or gas, from a fluid source to a fluid destination.Generally, a pipeline system may include pipe fittings (e.g.,connectors), such as a midline pipe fitting and/or a pipe end fitting,and one or more pipe segments. Merely as an illustrative non-limitingexample, a pipeline system may include a first pipe end fitting thatcouples a first pipe segment to a fluid source, a midline pipe fittingthat couples the first pipe segment to a second pipe segment, and asecond pipe end fitting that couples the second pipe segment to a fluiddestination.

In any case, a pipe segment generally includes tubing (e.g., a housing),which defines (e.g., encloses) a bore that provides a primary fluidconveyance (e.g., flow) path through the pipe segment. Morespecifically, the tubing of a pipe segment may be implemented tofacilitate isolating environmental conditions external to the pipesegment from conditions within its bore and, thus, fluid that flowstherethrough. In particular, the tubing of a pipe segment may primarilybe implemented to block fluid flow directly between the bore of the pipesegment and its external environmental conditions, for example, inaddition to providing thermal, pressure, and/or electrical isolation(e.g., insulation).

To facilitate providing fluid isolation, in some instances, the tubingof a pipe segment may be implemented with multiple layers. For example,the tubing of a pipe segment may include an inner (e.g., innermost)layer and an outer (e.g., outermost) layer that each run (e.g., span)the length of the pipe segment. To facilitate blocking fluid flowdirectly therethrough, the inner layer and the outer layer may each be acontinuous layer of solid material, such as plastic and/or a compositematerial, that runs the length of the pipe segment.

In some instances, pipe segment tubing may additionally include one ormore intermediate layers implemented between its inner layer and itsouter layer, for example, to facilitate improving tensile strength ofthe pipe segment tubing. Additionally, to facilitate improvingdeployment (e.g., installation) efficiency, in some such instances, anintermediate layer of pipe segment tubing may include solid material,such as metal and/or a composite material, with one or more openingsdevoid of solid material. In other words, in such instances, theintermediate layer may have one or more gaps in which the solid materialis not implemented and, thus, included in the annulus of the pipesegment tubing. Due to the reduced amount of solid material, at least insome instances, implementing an intermediate layer of pipe segmenttubing with one or more openings may facilitate improving flexibility ofthe pipe segment, for example, to facilitate reducing its minimum bendradius (MBR). In fact, at least in some instances, a flexible pipesegment may be spooled (e.g., on a reel and/or in a coil) and, thus,increasing its flexibility may facilitate improving deploymentefficiency, for example, by enabling the pipe segment to be transportedand/or deployed using a tighter spool.

Nevertheless, in some instances, a defect, such as a breach, a kink,and/or a dent, on pipe segment tubing may affect (e.g., compromiseand/or reduce) its integrity and, thus, its ability to provide isolation(e.g., insulation) between the bore of a corresponding pipe segment andenvironmental conditions external to the pipe segment. For example, adefect on the tubing of a pipe segment may result in excessive (e.g.,undesired) fluid flow from the pipe segment directly out intoenvironmental conditions external to the pipe segment and/or from theexternal environmental conditions directly into the pipe segment. Inother words, at least in some instances, operating a pipeline systemwhile pipe segment tubing deployed therein has an integrity compromisingdefect may affect (e.g., reduce) operational efficiency and/oroperational reliability of the pipeline system, for example, due to thedefect resulting in conveyed fluid being lost and/or contaminated byexternal environmental conditions.

As such, to facilitate improving operational efficiency and/oroperational reliability of a pipeline system, the integrity of one ormore pipe segments deployed in or to be deployed in the pipeline systemmay be tested, for example, via a testing process performed by a testingsystem before beginning and/or resuming normal operation of the pipelinesystem. In fact, to facilitate testing its integrity, in some instances,one or more openings (e.g., gaps) in an intermediate layer (e.g.,annulus) of pipe segment tubing may each be implemented such that itruns the length of a corresponding pipe segment, thereby providing afluid conduit (e.g., paths) through which fluid can flow within the pipesegment tubing. In fact, in such instances, an outer layer of the pipesegment tubing may facilitate isolating conditions within the tubingannulus (e.g., fluid conduit implemented in one or more intermediatelayers) from environmental conditions external to the pipe segment whilean inner layer of the pipe segment tubing may facilitate isolating theconditions within the tubing annulus from conditions within the pipesegment bore. In other words, in such instances, the pipe segment may beimplemented to enable fluid flow in its bore as well as fluid flow inthe annulus of its tubing.

Leveraging this fact, to facilitate testing integrity of pipe segmenttubing, in some instances, a testing process and/or a testing system mayinject (e.g., supply and/or pump) test fluid into the annulus (e.g.,fluid conduit implemented in an intermediate layer) of the pipe segmenttubing and determine one or more fluid parameters that result downstreamdue to the test fluid injection, for example, via one or more test fluidsources (e.g., pumps and/or compressed air tanks) and one or moresensors, respectively. Merely as an illustrative non-limiting example,the one or more downstream fluid parameters may include a downstreamfluid temperature determined (e.g., measured and/or sensed) by atemperature sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the one or moredownstream fluid parameters may include a downstream fluid pressuredetermined by a pressure sensor, a downstream fluid composition (e.g.,constituent percentages) determined by a fluid composition sensor, orboth.

Furthermore, in some instances, the test fluid used by a testing processand/or a testing system may be an inert fluid, such as nitrogen (e.g.,N₂) gas, for example, to facilitate reducing the likelihood that thetest fluid itself affects (e.g., compromises and/or corrodes) integrityof pipe segment tubing. Moreover, in some instances, one or more fluidparameters of the test fluid may be pre-determined, for example, offlineby a test lab and/or a fluid supplier. Additionally or alternatively,one or more fluid parameters of the test fluid may be determined whilethe test fluid is being supplied to a fluid conduit implemented in anintermediate layer of pipe segment tubing being tested, for example,online and/or in real-time via one or more sensors.

In other words, a fluid parameter of the test fluid may be an upstreamfluid parameter and, thus, comparison with a corresponding downstreamfluid parameter may indicate the change in the fluid parameter thatresults from fluid flow in the tubing annulus (e.g., fluid conduitimplemented in an intermediate layer) of a pipe segment. As describedabove, pipe segment tubing may generally be implemented to provideisolation, such as thermal isolation (e.g., insulation), fluid flowisolation, and/or pressure isolation, and, thus, facilitate reducing theamount fluid parameters change due to fluid flow therein. Although someamount of change in a fluid parameter may nevertheless occur, the changemay generally be predictable, for example, based at least in part on amodel, empirical testing, external environmental conditions, fluidparameters of the injected test fluid, implementation parameters, suchas material and/or thickness, of the pipe segment tubing, or anycombination thereof.

In other words, at least in some instances, an unexpected change indownstream fluid parameters may indicate that the integrity of a pipesegment is compromised by one or more defects, such as a dent, a kink,and/or a breach. For example, an unexpected change (e.g., drop) indownstream fluid pressure relative to pressure of injected test fluidmay be indicative of fluid leaking from the tubing annulus of a pipesegment and, thus, that the pipe segment is potentially defective.Additionally, an unexpected change (e.g., increase or decrease) indownstream fluid temperature relative to temperature of injected testfluid may be indicative of increased heat transfer between fluid in theannulus of pipe segment tubing and conditions external to the pipesegment tubing and, thus, that the pipe segment tubing is potentiallydefective and/or that the external (e.g., environmental and/or bore)conditions will potentially shorten the lifespan of the pipe segmenttubing. Furthermore, an unexpected change in downstream fluidcomposition relative to composition of injected test fluid may beindicative of conditions external to pipe segment tubing contaminatingfluid in its tubing annulus and, thus, that the pipe segment tubing ispotentially defective.

As such, at least in some instances, efficacy (e.g., accuracy) of anintegrity test for pipe segment tubing may be premised on its tubingannulus (e.g., one or more fluid conduits implemented in one or more ofits intermediate layers) being fluidly isolated from conditions externalto the pipe segment tubing. To facilitate providing fluid isolation, anopen end of pipe segment tubing may be secured to a test head that sealsthe open end of the pipe segment tubing and, thus, its tubing annulus.In some instances, a test head may be secured to a pipe segment usingone or more mechanical fastener mechanisms. For example, a swage machinemay compress a shell (e.g., body) of the test head such that resultingdeformation on an inner surface of the test head shell conforms withresulting deformation on an outer surface of the pipe segment tubing,thereby mechanically securing (e.g., fastening) the test head to thepipe segment and sealing an open end of its tubing annulus.

However, at least in some instances, securing a test head to a pipesegment using a purely mechanical fastener mechanism may affect (e.g.,reduce) testing efficiency for a pipeline system. For example, at leastin some instances, the conformal deformation of a test head shell and apipe segment produced by a swage machine may result in the test headeffectively being permanently coupled to the pipe segment. Thus, atleast in some such instances, the test head and at least the portion ofthe pipe segment mechanically secured to the test head may be cut offbefore the pipe segment is deployed in and/or used in normal operationof a pipeline system. Moreover, even when the portion of a pipe segmentmechanically secured to a test head is removable from the test head, atleast in some instances, deformation of the test head shell may limitthe ability of the test head to be reused for testing another pipesegment. In other words, at least in some instances, a test head thatutilizes a purely mechanical (e.g., swaged) fastener mechanism mayeffectively be a one-time-use (e.g., sacrificial) test head and, thus,potentially limit testing efficiency for a pipeline system, for example,due to at least one new (e.g., different) test head being used to testintegrity of each pipe segment deployed in or to be deployed in thepipeline system.

Accordingly, to facilitate improving testing efficiency for pipelinesystems, the present disclosure provides techniques for implementingand/or operating a reusable test head that may be utilized in a testingsystem and/or during a testing process. As will be described in moredetail below, a reusable test head may include a shell implemented todefine (e.g., enclose) an annulus (e.g., tubing) cavity, which is to beused to interface with the tubing of a pipe segment and, thus, itstubing annulus. In some embodiments, the shell of the reusable test headmay additionally be implemented to define a bore cavity, which is to beused to interface with at least a portion of the bore of the pipesegment.

To facilitate defining an annulus cavity and a bore cavity, in someembodiments, the shell of a reusable test head may include an outer tubeand an inner tube concentrically coupled (e.g., welded) to an end cap(e.g., wall). In other words, in such embodiments, the annulus cavity ofa reusable test head may be defined by the space between an innersurface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube whilethe bore cavity of the reusable test head is defined by the space withinan inner surface of the inner tube. Additionally, in some suchembodiments, the outer tube, the inner tube, and/or the end cap mayinitially be a discrete (e.g., separate) component and, thus, coupled(e.g., welded) with another discrete component of the reusable test headshell during a shell manufacturing process. In other embodiments, areusable test head shell may be implemented as a single component, forexample, by milling the reusable test head shell (e.g., outer tube,inner tube, and end cap) from a single block of metal.

Moreover, in other embodiments, the shell of a reusable test head may beimplemented with a solid central portion internal to the annulus cavityof the reusable test head, for example, instead of a bore cavity. Tofacilitate defining an annulus cavity and a solid internal portion, insome embodiments, the shell of a reusable test head may include an outertube and an inner cylinder concentrically coupled (e.g., welded) to anend cap (e.g., wall). In other words, in such embodiments, the annuluscavity of a reusable test head may be defined by the space between aninner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the innercylinder. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the outer tube, theinner cylinder, and/or the end cap may initially be a discrete (e.g.,separate) component and, thus, coupled (e.g., welded) with anotherdiscrete component of the reusable test head shell during a shellmanufacturing process. In other embodiments, a reusable test head shellmay be implemented as a single component, for example, by milling thereusable test head shell (e.g., outer tube, inner cylinder, and end cap)from a single block of metal.

In other words, in some embodiments, the shell of a reusable test headmay be implemented at least in part using metal, such as carbon steel,stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel,or any combination. Additionally or alternatively, the shell of thereusable test head may be implemented at least in part using plastic,such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or raised temperaturepolyethylene (PE-RT). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shell of thereusable test head may additionally or alternatively be implemented atleast in part using one or more composite materials.

In any case, to facilitate testing pipe segment tubing integrity, theshell of a reusable test head may include one or more testing ports(e.g., openings) that each opens therethrough, thereby providing acorresponding fluid path through which fluid can flow into and/or outfrom its annulus cavity. In particular, in some embodiments, a testingport on a reusable test head shell may be fluidly coupled to one or moretest fluid sources (e.g., pumps and/or compressed air tanks), which areimplemented and/or operated to selectively supply (e.g., inject and/orpump) test fluid into its annulus cavity, for example, via one or moretest fluid injection conduits. Additionally or alternatively, a testingport on a reusable test head shell may be fluidly coupled to one or moreexternal sensors, which are implemented and/or operated to determine(e.g., measure and/or sense) one or more fluid parameters (e.g.,temperature, pressure, and/or composition) of fluid extracted from itsannulus cavity, for example, via one or more fluid extraction conduits.

In fact, in some embodiments, a shell of a reusable test head mayinclude multiple testing ports, for example, dedicated for differentpurposes. In other words, in such embodiments, the shell of the reusabletest head may include multiple different types of testing ports. Forexample, a reusable test head shell may include a first testing portfluidly coupled to one or more test fluid sources and, thus dedicatedfor test fluid injection as well as a second (e.g., different) testingport fluidly coupled to one or more one or more external sensors and,thus, dedicated for (e.g., upstream and/or downstream) fluid parameterdetermination.

In other embodiments, the same testing port on the shell of a reusabletest head may be selectively used for different purposes. For example, atesting portion on reusable test head shell may be fluidly coupled toone or more test fluid sources (e.g., pumps and/or compressed air tanks)and, thus dedicated for test fluid injection during a first time periodwhile being fluidly coupled to one or more external sensors and, thus,dedicated for fluid parameter determination during a second (e.g.,subsequent and/or non-overlapping) time period. In some embodiments, oneor more sensors may additionally or alternatively be implementedinternal to a reusable test head shell and/or proximate (e.g., directlyadjacent) the tubing annulus of a pipe segment.

To facilitate providing test head reusability and, thus, improvingtesting efficiency, in some embodiments, a reusable test head mayinclude one or more reusable fastener mechanism, for example, instead ofa purely mechanical (e.g., one-time use and/or swaged) fastenermechanism. In some embodiments, a reusable fastener mechanismimplemented in a reusable test head shell may be an electromagneticfastener mechanism, for example, which allows pipe segment tubing tomove within the annulus cavity of the reusable test head shell whileunenergized (e.g., unpowered and/or off) and attracts electricallyconductive material in the pipe segment tubing to facilitate securing(e.g., fastening) the pipe segment tubing in the annulus cavity whileenergized (e.g., powered and/or on). Additionally or alternatively, areusable fastener mechanism implemented in a reusable test head shellmay be an inflatable (e.g., pneumatic) fastener mechanism.

In particular, in some embodiments, an inflatable fastener mechanism mayinclude an inflatable bladder made of elastic material, such as rubber.When fluid is injected therein, the inflatable bladder may inflate andexpand outwardly, thereby increasing the force it exerts on itssurroundings. On the other hand, when fluid is extracted therefrom, theinflatable bladder may deflate and contract inwardly, thereby decreasingthe force it exerts on its surroundings.

As such, to facilitate selectively sealing and/or securing an open endof pipe segment tubing therein, in some embodiments, a reusable testhead may include one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms (e.g.,bladders) implemented in and/or directly adjacent to its annulus cavity.For example, the reusable test head may include an (e.g., a first)inflatable bladder implemented along an outer surface of its inner shelltube. Additionally or alternatively, the reusable test head may includean (e.g., second) inflatable bladder implemented along an inner surfaceof its outer shell tube.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a reusable test head may be deployedby inserting (e.g., sliding) an open end of the tubing of a pipe segmentinto its annulus cavity while an inflatable fastener mechanism (e.g.,bladder) implemented therein is in a less than fully inflated (e.g.,partially inflated or uninflated) state. The open end of the pipesegment tubing and, thus, the tubing annulus may then be sealed and/orsecured in the annulus cavity of the reusable test head by increasingthe inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism from the less thanfully inflated state to a more inflated (e.g., fully inflated orpartially inflated) state. More specifically, as inflation of theinflatable fastener mechanism increases its contact surface with thepipe segment tubing may increase, thereby increasing the resistance(e.g., force) it exerts against movement (e.g., circumferentialmovement, radial movement, and/or axial movement) of the pipe segment aswell as the resistance it exerts against fluid flow along its contactsurface with the pipe segment tubing.

On the other hand, in some embodiments, a reusable test head secured toan open end of pipe segment tubing may be selectively removed at leastin part by decreasing inflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism(e.g., bladder) implemented therein to a less inflated (e.g., partiallyinflated or uninflated) state. More specifically, as inflation of theinflatable fastener mechanism decreases its contact surface with thepipe segment tubing may decrease, thereby decreasing the resistance itexerts against movement (e.g., circumferential movement, radialmovement, and/or axial movement) of the pipe segment, for example, inaddition to the resistance it exerts against fluid flow along itscontact surface with the pipe segment tubing. As such, the open end ofthe pipe segment tubing may then be slid out from the annulus cavity ofthe reusable test head while the inflatable fastener mechanism is in theless inflated state.

Due to the exertion of force, in some instances, securing a reusabletest head using an inflatable fastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) maynevertheless result in some amount of deformation, for example, on theshell of the reusable test head and/or the tubing of a pipe segmentsecured to the reusable test head. However, deformation resulting froman inflatable fastener mechanism is generally minimal and may evenself-correct with the removal of the reusable test head from the pipesegment, for example, due to material spring-back. Moreover, deformationresulting from an inflatable fastener mechanism may generally besubstantially (e.g., one or more orders of magnitude) less than thedeformation resulting from a purely mechanical (e.g., swaged) fastenermechanism, for example, due to the purely mechanical fastener mechanismrelying on deformation of a test head shell to secure as well as seal anopen end of a pipe segment. As such, implementing a (e.g., reusable)test head with one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms may facilitateincreasing the likelihood that the test head is suitable for reuse intesting the pipe segment integrity of a different pipe segment, which,at least in some instances, may facilitate improving testing efficiencyof a pipeline system, for example, by obviating the use of a new (e.g.,different) test head for testing each of multiple pipe segments deployedand/or to be deployed in the pipeline system.

To facilitate controlling inflation of an inflatable fastener mechanismimplemented therein, in some embodiments, the shell of a reusable testhead may include one or more inflation ports (e.g., openings) that eachopens therethrough, thereby providing a corresponding fluid path throughwhich fluid can flow into and/or out from the inflatable fastenermechanism. In particular, in some embodiments, an inflation port on areusable test head shell may be coupled between an inflatable bladder ofan inflatable fastener mechanism and one or more inflation fluid sources(e.g., pumps and/or tanks), which are implemented and/or operated toselectively supply (e.g., pump and/or inject) inflation fluid into theinflatable bladder and/or to selectively extract (e.g., remove)inflation fluid from the inflatable bladder, for example, via one ormore inflation fluid conduits fluidly coupled to and/or extendingthrough the inflation port. In other embodiments, an inflation port on ashell of a reusable test head may be selectively coupled to an inflationfluid source or to environmental conditions external to the reusabletest head, for example, to enable selectively increasing inflation ofthe inflatable fastener mechanism by operating the inflation fluidsource to inject inflation fluid into its inflatable bladder andselectively decreasing inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism byreleasing inflation fluid from its inflatable bladder into the externalenvironmental conditions (e.g., via a release valve).

Similar to test fluid injected into the tubing annulus of a pipesegment, in some embodiments, the inflation fluid selectively injectedinto an inflatable fastener mechanism may also be an inert fluid (e.g.,liquid and/or gas). In fact, to facilitate improving testing efficacy(e.g., accuracy), in some embodiments, the composition of the inflationfluid may match the composition of the test fluid, for example, toreduce the likelihood that leakage of the inflation fluid into theannulus cavity of a reusable test head results in pipe segment tubingsecured thereto inadvertently being identified as defective. In otherwords, at least in some such embodiments, the test fluid may also beused as the inflation fluid that is selectively injected into and/orextracted from one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms implemented ina reusable test head.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the test fluid supplied to the tubingannulus of a pipe segment may be pressurized (e.g., at forty pounds persquare inch) and, thus, attempt to push the pipe segment away from areusable test head secured thereto. To facilitate increasing thestrength with which a reusable test head is secured to a pipe segment,in some embodiments, an outer (e.g., contact) surface of an inflatablefastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) may be contoured (e.g., rough) and/orcoated with a substance that provides a higher coefficient of frictionthan the base material of the inflatable fastener mechanism. Tofacilitate further improving security strength, in some embodiments, areusable test head may include one or more axial fastener mechanismimplemented external to its shell, for example, in addition to aninflatable fastener mechanism implemented within its shell.

In particular, in some embodiments, an axial fastener mechanism externalto a reusable test head shell may include a tubing engaging componentimplemented to engage with the tubing of a pipe segment. For example,the tubing engaging component of an axial fastener mechanism may includeone or more cables, which are implemented to wrap around pipe segmenttubing at a first end and secured (e.g., coupled) to the reusable testhead shell at a second (e.g., opposite) end. Additionally oralternatively, the tubing engaging component of an axial fastenermechanism may include one or more clamps, which are secured to thereusable test head shell and implemented to wrap circumferentiallyaround pipe segment tubing.

To facilitate securing an axial fastener mechanism to the shell of areusable test head, in some embodiments, the reusable test head shellmay include one or more anchor components, such as a flange. To helpillustrate, continuing with the above examples, the second end of atubing engaging cable may loop through an opening in a flangeimplemented on the reusable test head shell and connect back to itself.Additionally or alternatively, a tubing engaging clamp may be coupled toa first end of a support arm and a flange implemented on the reusabletest head shell may be coupled to a second (e.g., opposite) end of thesupport arm. In other embodiments, a support arm may be directlyimplemented as part of a reusable test head shell and, thus, a tubingengaging clamp may be coupled to the reusable test head shell.

Moreover, in some embodiments, an axial fastener mechanism may beimplemented to enable a tubing engaging clamp to be selectivelytightened and/or loosened around pipe segment tubing. For example, atubing engaging clamp may be coupled to a support arm via a bolt thatextends through at least a first opening (e.g., hole) on a clamp flangeand a second opening on the support arm. As such, tightening a nut on athreaded end of the bolt may pull the tubing engaging clamp inwardly,thereby tightening its grip on pipe segment tubing insertedtherethrough. In fact, to facilitate improving its grip strength, insome embodiments, an inner (e.g., contact) surface of a tubing engagingclamp may be contoured (e.g., rough) and/or coated with a substance thatprovides a higher coefficient of friction than the base material of thetubing engaging clamp. On the other hand, loosening the nut on thethreaded end of the bolt may enable the tubing engaging clamp to expandoutwardly (e.g., due at least in part to material spring-back), therebyloosening its grip on pipe segment tubing inserted therethrough.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a reusable test head may be secured topipe segment tubing at least in part by transitioning and subsequentlymaintaining a tubing engaging clamp coupled to its shell (e.g., via asupport arm) in a tightened state. In other words, in such embodiments,a reusable test head may be deployed by sliding an open end of pipesegment tubing into its annulus cavity and/or removed by sliding theopen end of the pipe segment tubing out from its annulus cavity whilethe tubing engaging clamp is not in the tightened state. For example, insome such embodiments, the open end of the pipe segment tubing may beinserted into the annulus cavity before the tubing engaging clamp iscoupled to the shell of the reusable test head and/or removed from theannulus cavity after the tubing engaging clamp is disconnected from theshell. In other embodiments, the open end of the pipe segment tubing maybe inserted into the annulus cavity and/or removed from the annuluscavity while the tubing engaging clamp coupled to the shell of thereusable test head is in a loosened state.

To facilitate further improving security strength, in some embodiments,a reusable test head may additionally or alternatively include one ormore pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanisms implementedtherein in addition to an inflatable fastener mechanism, for example,instead of a purely mechanical (e.g., one-time-use, sacrificial, and/orswaged) fastener mechanism. In particular, in some embodiments, apneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism may be implementeddirectly adjacent to an inflatable fastener mechanism in the annuluscavity of a reusable test head, for example, such that pneumaticinflation and/or deflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism actuatesthe mechanical fastener mechanism. Merely as an illustrativenon-limiting example, a pneumatically actuated mechanical fastenermechanism be implemented directly adjacent to the inflatable bladder ofa corresponding inflatable fastener mechanism and have a wedgedcross-section profile, which is disposed at least in part on a ramp(e.g., bevel) formed in the shell of the reusable test head, forexample, with one or more serrations (e.g., teeth) that extend out fromits wedged cross-section profile. As such, increasing inflation of theinflatable bladder may push the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism up the ramp, for example, such that the pneumaticallyactuated mechanical fastener mechanism engages (e.g., contacts) pipesegment tubing present in the annulus cavity. On the other hand,decreasing inflation of the inflatable bladder may enable thepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism to move down theramp, for example, such that the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism disengages pipe segment tubing present in the annuluscavity.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a pneumaticallyactuated mechanical fastener mechanism in a reusable test head may beimplemented on a surface of its annulus cavity that is opposite (e.g.,facing) the surface of the annulus cavity on which a correspondinginflatable fastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) is implemented. Forexample, when an inflatable bladder is implemented on an outer surfaceof the annulus cavity (e.g., inner surface of outer shell tube), acorresponding pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism maybe implemented on an inner surface of the annulus cavity (e.g., outersurface of inner shell tube or inner shell cylinder). Additionally oralternatively, when an inflatable bladder is implemented on an innersurface of the annulus cavity, a corresponding pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism may be implemented on an outer surface ofthe annulus cavity.

To facilitate securing pipe segment tubing in the annulus cavity of areusable test head, in some embodiments, a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism implemented opposite an inflatablefastener mechanism may include one or more serrations (e.g., teeth) thatextend into the annulus cavity. As such, when pipe segment tubing ispresent in the annulus cavity, increasing inflation of the inflatablefastener mechanism may push the pipe segment tubing toward thepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism, for example, suchthat one or more serrations of the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism engage the pipe segment tubing. On the other hand,decreasing inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism may enable thepipe segment tubing to move away from the pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism, for example, such that one or moreserrations of the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanismdisengage the pipe segment tubing.

In this manner, as will be described in more detail below, thetechniques described in the present disclosure may facilitateimplementing and/or operating a (e.g., reusable) test head such that thetest head is reusable to test multiple different pipe segments. Forexample, implementing and/or operating a reusable test head inaccordance with the techniques described in the present disclosure mayenable the reusable test head to be secured to a first pipe segment totest its integrity, removed from the first pipe segment after completinga testing cycle for the first pipe segment, secured to a second (e.g.,different) pipe segment to test its integrity, and so on. Thus, at leastin some instances, implementing and/or operating a reusable test head inaccordance with the techniques described in the present disclosure mayfacilitate improving testing efficiency for a pipeline system, forexample, by obviating the use of a new (e.g., different) test head fortesting each pipe segment deployed or to be deployed in the pipelinesystem.

To help illustrate, an example of a pipeline system 10 is shown inFIG. 1. As in the depicted example, the pipeline system 10 may becoupled between a bore fluid source 12 and a bore fluid destination 14.Merely as an illustrative non-limiting example, the bore fluid source 12may be a production well and the bore fluid destination 14 may be afluid storage tank. In other instances, the bore fluid source 12 may bea first (e.g., lease facility) storage tank and the bore fluiddestination 14 may be a second (e.g., refinery) storage tank.

In any case, the pipeline system 10 may generally be implemented and/oroperated to facilitate transporting (e.g., conveying) fluid, such as gasand/or liquid, from the bore fluid source 12 to the bore fluiddestination 14. In fact, in some embodiments, the pipeline system 10 maybe used in many applications, including without limitation, both onshoreand offshore oil and gas applications. For example, in such embodiments,the pipeline system 10 may be used to transport one or morehydrocarbons, such as crude oil, petroleum, natural gas, or anycombination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the pipeline system10 may be used to transport one or more other types of fluid, such asproduced water, fresh water, fracturing fluid, flowback fluid, carbondioxide, or any combination thereof.

To facilitate flowing fluid to the bore fluid destination 14, in someembodiments, the bore fluid source 12 may include one or more bore fluidpumps 16 that are implemented and/or operated to inject (e.g., pumpand/or supply) fluid from the bore fluid source 12 into a bore of thepipeline system 10. However, it should be appreciated that the depictedexample is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Inparticular, in other embodiments, one or more bore fluid pumps 16 maynot be implemented at a bore fluid source 12, for example, when fluidflow through the bore of the pipeline system 10 is produced by gravity.Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, one or more borefluid pumps 16 may be implemented in a pipeline system 10 and/or at abore fluid destination 14.

To facilitate transporting fluid from the bore fluid source 12 to thebore fluid destination 14, as in the depicted example, a pipeline system10 may include one or more pipe fittings (e.g., connectors) 18 and oneor more pipe segments 20. For example, the depicted pipeline system 10includes a first pipe segment 20A, a second pipe segment 20B, and an Nthpipe segment 20N. Additionally, the depicted pipeline system 10 includesa first pipe (e.g., end) fitting 18A, which couples the bore fluidsource 12 to the first pipe segment 20A, a second pipe (e.g., midline)fitting 18B, which couples the first pipe segment 20A to the second pipesegment 20B, and an Nth pipe (e.g., end) fitting 18N, which couples theNth pipe segment 20N to the bore fluid destination 14.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example ismerely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, inother embodiments, a pipeline system 10 may include fewer (e.g., one)pipe segments 20. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, apipeline system 10 may include fewer (e.g., two) pipe fittings 18.

In any case, as described above, a pipe segment 20 generally includestubing that may be used to convey or transfer (e.g., transport) water,gas, oil, and/or any other suitable type of fluid. The tubing of a pipesegment 20 may be made of any suitable type of material, such asplastic, metal, and/or a composite (e.g., fiber-reinforced composite)material. In fact, as will be described in more detail below, in someembodiments, the tubing of flexible pipe may be implemented usingmultiple different layers. For example, the tubing of a pipe segment 20may include a first high-density polyethylene (e.g., internal corrosionprotection) layer, one or more reinforcement (e.g., steel strip) layersexternal to the first high-density polyethylene layer, and a secondhigh-density polyethylene (e.g., external corrosion protection) layerexternal to the one or more reinforcement layers.

Additionally, as in the depicted example, one or more (e.g., secondand/or Nth) pipe segments 20 in the pipeline system 10 may be curved. Tofacilitate implementing a curve in a pipe segment 20, in someembodiments, the pipe segment 20 may be flexible, for example, such thatthe pipe segment 20 is spoolable on a reel and/or in a coil (e.g.,during transport and/or before deployment of the pipe segment 20). Inother words, in some embodiments, one or more pipe segments 20 in thepipeline system 10 may be a flexible pipe, such as a bonded flexiblepipe, an unbonded flexible pipe, a flexible composite pipe (FCP), athermoplastic composite pipe (TCP), or a reinforced thermoplastic pipe(RTP). In fact, at least in some instances, increasing flexibility of apipe segment 20 may facilitate improving deployment efficiency of apipeline system 10, for example, by obviating a curved (e.g., elbow)pipe fitting 18 and/or enabling the pipe segment 20 to be transported tothe pipeline system 10, deployed in the pipeline system 10, or bothusing a tighter spool.

To facilitate improving flexibility, in some embodiments, the tubing ofa pipe segment 20 that defines (e.g., encloses) its bore may include oneor more openings devoid of solid material. In fact, in some embodiments,an opening in the tubing of a pipe segment 20 may run (e.g., span) thelength of the pipe segment 20 and, thus, define (e.g., enclose) a fluidconduit in the tubing annulus separate (e.g., distinct) from the pipesegment bore. In other words, in such embodiments, fluid may flowthrough a pipe segment 20 via its bore, a fluid conduit implementedwithin its tubing annulus, or both.

To help illustrate, an example of a pipe segment 20, which includes atubing 22 with fluid conduits 24 implemented within its annulus 25, isshown in FIG. 2. As depicted, the pipe segment tubing 22 is implementedwith multiple layers including an inner (e.g., innermost) layer 26 andan outer (e.g., outermost) layer 28. In some embodiments, the innerlayer 26 and/or the outer layer 28 of the pipe segment tubing 22 may beimplemented using composite material and/or plastic, such ashigh-density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or raised temperature polyethylene(PE-RT). In any case, as depicted an inner surface 30 of the inner layer26 defines (e.g., encloses) a bore 32 through which fluid can flow, forexample, to facilitate transporting the fluid from a bore fluid source12 to a bore fluid destination 14.

Additionally, as depicted, the annulus 25 of the pipe segment tubing 22is implemented between its inner layer 26 and its outer layer 28. Aswill be described in more detail below, the tubing annulus 25 mayinclude one or more intermediate layer of the pipe segment tubing 22.Furthermore, as depicted, fluid conduits 24 running along the length ofthe pipe segment 20 are defined (e.g., enclosed) in the tubing annulus25. As described above, a fluid conduit 24 in the tubing annulus 25 maybe devoid of solid material. As such, pipe segment tubing 22 thatincludes one or more fluid conduits 24 therein may include less solidmaterial and, thus, exert less resistance to flexure, for example,compared to a solid pipe segment tubing 22 and/or pipe segment tubing 22that does not include fluid conduits 24 implemented therein. Moreover,to facilitate further improving flexibility, in some embodiments, one ormore layers in the tubing 22 of a pipe segment 20 may be unbonded fromone or more other layers in the tubing 22 and, thus, the pipe segment 20may be an unbonded pipe segment 20.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, pipe segment tubing 22 may include fewer (e.g., one) ormore (e.g., three, four, or more) fluid conduits 24 defined in itstubing annulus 25. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments,a fluid conduit 24 defined in the tubing annulus 25 of a pipe segment 20may run non-parallel to the bore 32 of the pipe segment 20, for example,such that the fluid conduit 24 is skewed relative to the axial (e.g.,longitudinal) extent of the bore 32.

To help illustrate, an example of a portion 36 of a pipe segment 20,which includes an inner layer 26 and an intermediate layer 34 includedin the annulus 25 of its pipe segment tubing 22, is shown in FIG. 3. Insome embodiments, one or more intermediate layers 34 of pipe segmenttubing 22 may be implemented using composite material and/or metal, suchas carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplexstainless steel, or any combination thereof In other words, at least insome such embodiments, the intermediate layer 34 of the pipe segmenttubing 22 may be implemented using electrically conductive, which, atleast in some instances, may facilitate testing integrity of the pipesegment tubing 22, for example, by enabling communication of electrical(e.g., command and/or sensor) signals via the intermediate layer 34.

In any case, as depicted, the intermediate layer 34 is helicallydisposed (e.g., wound and/or wrapped) on the inner layer 26 such thatgaps (e.g., openings) are left between adjacent windings to define afluid conduit 24. In other words, in some embodiments, the intermediatelayer 34 may be implemented at least in part by winding a metal (e.g.,steel) strip around the inner layer 26 at a non-zero lay angle (e.g.,fifty-four degrees) relative to the axial (e.g., longitudinal) extent ofthe bore 32. In any case, as depicted, the resulting fluid conduit 24runs helically along the pipe segment 20, for example, such that thefluid conduit 24 is skewed fifty-four degrees relative to the axialextent of the pipe segment bore 32.

In some embodiments, an outer layer 28 may be disposed directly over thedepicted intermediate layer 34 and, thus, cover and/or define (e.g.,enclose) the depicted fluid conduit 24. However, in other embodiments,the tubing annulus 25 pipe segment tubing 22 may include multiple (e.g.,two, three, or four) intermediate layers 34. In other words, in suchembodiments, one or more other intermediate layers 34 may be disposedover the depicted intermediate layer 34. In fact, in some suchembodiments, the one or more other intermediate layers 34 may also eachbe helically disposed such that gaps are left between adjacent windingsto implement one or more corresponding fluid conduits 24 in the pipesegment tubing 22.

For example, a first other intermediate layer 34 may be helicallydisposed on the depicted intermediate layer 34 using the same non-zerolay angle as the depicted intermediate layer 34 to cover (e.g., defineand/or enclose) the depicted fluid conduit 24 and to implement anotherfluid conduit 24 in the first other intermediate layer 34. Additionally,a second other intermediate layer 34 may be helically disposed on thefirst other intermediate layer 34 using another non-zero lay angle,which is the inverse of the non-zero lay angle of the depictedintermediate layer 34 to implement another fluid conduit 24 in thesecond other intermediate layer 34. Furthermore, a third otherintermediate layer 34 may be helically disposed on the second otherintermediate layer 34 using the same non-zero lay angle as the secondother intermediate layer 34 to cover the other fluid conduit 24 in thesecond other intermediate layer 34 and to implement another fluidconduit 24 in the third other intermediate layer 34. In someembodiments, an outer layer 28 may be disposed over the third otherintermediate layer 34 and, thus, cover (e.g., define and/or enclose) theother fluid conduit 24 in the third other intermediate layer 34.

In any case, as described above, the tubing 22 of a pipe segment 20 maygenerally be implemented to facilitate isolating conditions within itsbore 32 from environmental conditions external to the pipe segment 20.Even when implemented with multiple layers, in some instances, a defect,such as a breach, a kink, and/or a dent, on pipe segment tubing 22 maycompromise its integrity and, thus, its ability to provide isolation,for example, due to the defect resulting in excessive (e.g., undesired)fluid flow from the pipe segment directly out into environmentalconditions external to the pipe segment 20 and/or from the externalenvironmental conditions directly into the pipe segment 20. As such, atleast in some instances, operating a pipeline system 10 while pipesegment tubing 22 deployed therein has an integrity compromising defectmay affect (e.g., reduce) operational efficiency and/or operationalreliability of the pipeline system, for example, due to the defectresulting in conveyed fluid being lost and/or contaminated by externalenvironmental conditions. As such, to facilitate improving operationalefficiency and/or operational reliability of a pipeline system 10, insome embodiments, the integrity of a pipe segment 20 deployed in or tobe deployed in the pipeline system 10 may be tested by a testing system,for example, which is implemented and/or operated to perform a testingprocess before beginning and/or resuming normal operation of thepipeline system 10.

To help illustrate, an example of a testing system 38, which may be usedto test integrity of a pipe segment 20, is shown in FIG. 4. As in thedepicted example, a testing system 38 may include one or more testingdevices 40, one or more test fluid sources 42, one or more sensors 43,and at least one test head 44. In particular, as depicted, the test head44 is coupled to an (e.g., first) end of the pipe segment 20 beingtested.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, although asingle pipe segment 20 is depicted, in other embodiments, multiple pipesegments 20 may be concurrently tested, for example, by fluidly couplingthe pipe segments 20 between the test head 44 and the depicted pipefitting 18 via one or more midline pipe fittings 18. Additionally oralternatively, although a pipe fitting 18 is depicted as being coupledto another (e.g., second and/or opposite) end of the pipe segment 20being tested, in other embodiments, another test head 44 may be usedinstead. In other words, in such embodiments, a first test head 44 maybe coupled to a first end of a pipe segment 20 while a second test head44 is coupled to a second (e.g., opposite) end of the pipe segment 20.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a test fluid source 42 in the testingsystem 38 may include a test fluid pump and/or a compressed air tank,which is implemented and/or operated to selectively supply (e.g., injectand/or pump) test fluid to the test head 44 via one or more test fluidconduits 60, for example, based at least in part on a control signal 58received from a testing device 40 and/or valve position of one or morevalves fluidly coupled between the test fluid source 42 and the testhead 44. Although testing examples that utilize test fluid injection aredescribed, in other embodiments, the techniques described in the presentdisclosure may additionally or alternatively be utilized in testingprocesses and/or testing systems 38 that are based on test fluidextraction. In other words, in such embodiments, the test fluid source42 in the testing system 38 may include a test fluid pump, which isimplemented and/or operated to selectively extract (e.g., vacuum and/orpump) test fluid out from the test head 44 via one or more test fluidconduits 60, for example, based at least in part on a control signal 58received from a testing device 40 and/or valve position of one or morevalves fluidly coupled between the test fluid source 42 and the testhead 44.

Thus, at least in some embodiments, the one or more testing (e.g.,electronic and/or computing) devices 40 may generally control operationof the testing system 38. To facilitate controlling operation, as in thedepicted example, a testing device 40 may include one or more processors50, memory 52, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices 54. In someembodiments, the memory 52 in a testing device 40 may include atangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium that is implementedand/or operated to store data and/or executable instructions. Forexample, the memory 52 may store sensor data based at least in part onone or more sensor signals 56 received from a sensor 43. As such, insome embodiments, the memory 52 may include volatile memory, such asrandom-access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such asread-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD), a harddisk drive (HDD), or any combination thereof.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a processor 50 in a testing device 40may include processing circuitry implemented and/or operated to processdata and/or execute instructions stored in memory 52. In other words, insome such embodiments, a processor 50 in a testing device 40 may includeone or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. For example, aprocessor 50 in a testing device 40 may process sensor data stored inmemory 52 to determine an integrity state of pipe segment tubing 22being tested.

Additionally or alternatively, a processor 50 in a testing device 40 mayexecute instructions stored in memory 52 to determine one or morecontrol (e.g., command) signals 58 that instruct the testing system 38to perform corresponding control actions. For example, the testingdevice 40 may determine a control signal 58 that instructs a test fluidsource 42 to supply (e.g., inject and/or pump) test fluid to the testhead 44. Additionally or alternatively, the testing device 40 maydetermine a control signal 58 that instructs a sensor 43 to return oneor more sensor signals 56 indicative of corresponding fluid parameters,such as fluid temperature, fluid pressure, and/or fluid composition,determined (e.g., sensed and/or measured) by the sensor 43.

To facilitate communication with a test fluid source 42 and/or a sensor43, in some embodiments, the I/O devices 54 of a testing device 40 mayinclude one or more input/output (I/O) ports (e.g., terminals).Additionally, to facilitate communicating the results of an integritytest to a user (e.g., operator), in some embodiments, the I/O devices 54of a testing device 40 may include one or more user output devices, suchas an electronic display that is implemented and/or operated to displaya graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a visual representationof integrity test results (e.g., integrity state of tested pipe segmenttubing 22). Furthermore, to enable user interaction with the testingsystem 38, in some embodiments, the I/O devices 54 of a testing device40 may include one or more user input devices, such as a hard button, asoft button, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or the like. For example, the oneor more user input devices may enable an operator to input a usercommand that instructs the testing system 38 to initiate an integritytest for pipe segment 20.

In any case, as described above, the tubing 22 of a pipe segment 20 isgenerally implemented to facilitate isolating (e.g., insulating)conditions internal to the pipe segment 20 from environmental conditionsexternal to the pipe segment 20. For example, an outer layer 28 of thepipe segment tubing 22 may be implemented to facilitate isolating theexternal environmental conditions from conditions in the bore 32 of thepipe segment 20 and, thus, from conditions in a fluid conduit 24 that isimplemented in the tubing annulus 25, which is internal to the outerlayer 28 of the pipe segment tubing 22. Additionally or alternatively,an inner layer 26 of the pipe segment tubing 22 may be implemented tofacilitate isolating the conditions in the bore 32 of the pipe segment20 from the external environmental condition and, thus, from theconditions in a fluid conduit 24 that is implemented in the tubingannulus 25, which is external to the inner layer 26 of the pipe segmenttubing 22.

Nevertheless, in some instances, a defect, such as a dent, a kink,and/or a breach, on the tubing 22 of a pipe segment 20 may affect (e.g.,compromise and/or reduce) its integrity and, thus, its ability toprovide isolation. For example, a defect in the outer layer 28 of thepipe segment tubing 22 may reduce its ability to provide isolationbetween environmental conditions external to the pipe segment 20 and theconditions in a fluid conduit 24 that is implemented in the tubingannulus 25, which is internal to the outer layer 28 of the pipe segmenttubing 22. Additionally or alternatively, a defect in an inner layer 26of the pipe segment tubing 22 may reduce its ability to provideisolation between the conditions in the bore 32 of the pipe segment 20and the conditions in a fluid conduit 24 that is implemented in thetubing annulus 25, which is external to the inner layer 26 of the pipesegment tubing 22.

Generally, when a defect is not present on its tubing 22, one or moreparameters (e.g., characteristics and/or properties) of fluid flowingthrough a pipe segment 20 may nevertheless change as it flowstherethrough. However, a fluid parameter change resulting from fluidflow through a pipe segment 20 with a non-defective pipe segment tubing22 is generally predictable, for example, based at least in part on amodel, empirical testing, environmental conditions external to the pipesegment 20, fluid parameters of fluid input (e.g., supplied) to the pipesegment 20, implementation parameters, such as material and/orthickness, of the pipe segment tubing 22, or any combination thereof Inother words, at least in some instances, an unexpected (e.g.,unpredicted) change in a fluid parameter resulting from fluid flowthrough a pipe segment 20 may be indicative of corresponding pipesegment tubing 22 potentially having one or more defects, such as adent, a kink, and/or a breach.

Leveraging this fact, to facilitate testing pipe segment integrity, insome embodiments, the testing system 38 may inject test fluid into oneor more fluid conduits 24 implemented in the tubing annulus 25 (e.g.,one or more intermediate layers 34) of the pipe segment tubing 22, forexample, via a test fluid source 42 fluidly coupled to the test head 44.In particular, in some embodiments, the test fluid may be an inertfluid, such as nitrogen (e.g., N₂) gas. Additionally, in someembodiments, one or more fluid parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure,and/or composition) of the test fluid may be pre-determined beforesupply to a fluid conduit 24 implemented in an intermediate layer of thepipe segment tubing 22, for example, offline by a test lab and/or afluid supplier such that the pre-determined fluid parameters of the testfluid are stored in memory 52 of a testing device 40. In someembodiments, one or more fluid parameters of the test fluid may beadditionally or alternatively determined (e.g., sensed and/or measured)while the test fluid is being supplied to the tubing annulus 25 of thepipe segment tubing 22, for example, online and/or in real-time via oneor more sensors 43 such that the input (e.g., initial) fluid parametersof the test fluid are stored in memory 52 of a testing device 40.

As described above, at least in some instances, a defect in the tubing22 of a pipe segment 20 may result in one or more parameters of fluidflowing through the pipe segment 20 changing in a manner different thanexpected (e.g., predicted). To facilitate determining changes in fluidparameters resulting from fluid flow in the annulus 25 of pipe segmenttubing 22, in some embodiments, the testing system 38 may determine oneor more downstream fluid parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, and/orcomposition) via one or more sensors 43, for example, which are internalto the test head 44 and/or fluidly coupled to the test head 44. In otherwords, in such embodiments, the testing system 38 may test the integrityof pipe segment tubing 22 at least in part by comparing one or morefluid parameters of fluid (e.g., test fluid) supplied to the tubbingannulus 25 and corresponding downstream fluid parameters resulting fromfluid flow through the tubbing annulus 25. Thus, at least in someinstances, implementing and/or operating a testing system 38 in thismanner may facilitate improving operational reliability of a pipelinesystem 10, for example, by enabling confirmation of pipe segmentintegrity and/or amelioration of a pipe segment defect before beginningand/or resuming normal operation of the pipeline system 10.

To help further illustrate, an example of a process 62 for operating atesting system 38 is described in FIG. 5. Generally, the process 62includes securing a test head to a pipe segment (process block 64),performing a pipe segment integrity test (process block 66), anddetermining whether the pipe segment integrity test has been passed(decision block 68). Additionally, the process 62 generally includesremoving the test head from the pipe segment when the pipe segmentintegrity test has been passed (process block 70) and fixing a defectbased on results of the pipe segment integrity test when the pipesegment integrity test has not been passed (process block 72).

Although described in a specific order, which corresponds with anembodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that theexample process 62 is merely intended to be illustrative andnon-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process 62 foroperating a testing system 38 may include one or more additional processblocks and/or omit one or more of the depicted process blocks. Moreover,in some embodiments, the process 62 may be performed at least in part byexecuting instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable medium, such as memory 52 in a testing device 40,using processing circuitry, such as a processor 50 in the testing device40.

For example, in some such embodiments, a testing device 40 in a testingsystem 38 may instruct the testing system 38 to secure a test head 44 toa pipe segment 20 (process block 64). Additionally or alternatively, anoperator (e.g., user or technician) may manually secure the test head 44to the pipe segment 20. In any case, as described above, in someinstances, a test head 44 may be secured to the tubing 22 of a pipesegment 20 via one or more mechanical fastener mechanisms. For example,a swage machine may compress a shell (e.g., body) of the test head 44such that resulting deformation on an inner surface of the test headshell conforms with resulting deformation on an outer surface of thepipe segment tubing 22, thereby mechanically securing and sealing anopen end of the pipe segment tubing 22 and, thus, its annulus 25 in thetest head shell.

However, at least in some instances, securing a test head 44 to a pipesegment 20 using a purely mechanical fastener mechanism may affect(e.g., reduce) testing efficiency for a pipeline system 10. For example,the conformal deformation of a test head shell and pipe segment tubing22 produced by a swage machine may result in the test head 44effectively being permanently coupled to the pipe segment tubing 22.Thus, in such instances, the test head 44 and at least the portion of apipe segment 20 mechanically secured to the test head 44 may be cut offbefore the pipe segment 20 is used in normal operation of a pipelinesystem 10. Moreover, even when the portion of a pipe segment 20mechanically secured to a test head 44 is removable from the test head44, at least in some instances, deformation of the shell of the testhead 44 may limit its ability to be reused for testing another pipesegment 20.

In other words, at least in some instances, a test head 44 that utilizesa purely mechanical fastener mechanism may effectively be a one-time-use(e.g., sacrificial) test head 44. Thus, at least in such instances,utilizing a purely mechanically secured test head 44 may potentiallylimit testing efficiency of a pipeline system 10, for example, due to atleast one new (e.g., different) mechanically secured test head 44 beingused to test each pipe segment 20 deployed in or to be deployed in thepipeline system 10. To facilitate improving testing efficiency, atesting system 38 may instead include a test head 44 that is reusable totest multiple different pipe segments 20. In particular, to facilitateproviding reusability, a reusable test head 44 may include one or morereusable (e.g., inflatable and/or electromagnetic) fastener mechanism,for example, instead of a purely mechanical (e.g., swaged, one-time-use,and/or sacrificial) fastener mechanism.

To help illustrate, an example of a test head 44 that is reusable—namelya reusable test head 73—is shown in FIG. 6. As depicted, the reusabletest head 73 includes a shell (e.g., body) 74 and one or more reusablefastener mechanisms—namely one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms80. In some embodiments, the reusable test head shell 74 may beimplemented at least in part using metal, plastic, a composite material,or any combination thereof. In any case, as depicted, the reusable testhead shell 74 is implemented to define an annulus cavity 78. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the annulus cavity 78 of the reusabletest head 73 may generally be implemented to interface with the tubing22 and, thus, the tubing annulus 25 of a pipe segment 20.

As in the depicted example, in some embodiments, the shell 74 of thereusable test head 73 may additionally be implemented to define a borecavity 76 internal to the annulus cavity 78. As will be described inmore detail below, in such embodiments, the bore cavity 76 may generallybe implemented to interface with at least a portion of the bore 32 of apipe segment 20. However, it should be appreciated that the depictedexample is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Inparticular, in other embodiments, the shell 74 of a reusable test head73 may include a solid central portion internal to the annulus cavity 78of the reusable test head 73, for example, instead of a bore cavity 76.

As described above, in some embodiments, integrity of pipe segmenttubing 22 may be tested at least in part by injecting test fluid, suchas nitrogen (e.g., N₂) gas, into a fluid conduit 24 implemented itstubing annulus 25 and determining one or more downstream fluidparameters that result from fluid flow through the tubing annulus 25. Inother words, to facilitate testing integrity of a pipe segment 20, fluidmay flow into and/or out from the annulus 25 of its pipe segment tubing22. Since used to seal an open end of pipe segment tubing 22, to enablefluid flow therethrough, as in the depicted example, the reusable testhead 73 may include one or more testing ports 82.

In particular, as will be described in more detail below, a testing port82 may include an opening in the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73that enables fluid flow into and/or out from an annulus cavity 78 of thereusable test head 73. For example, a testing port 82 on a reusable testhead 73 may be fluidly coupled to a test fluid source 42 via one or moretest fluid conduits 60, thereby enabling a test fluid (e.g., liquidand/or gas) to selectively injected (e.g., supplied and/or pumped) intoits annulus cavity 78 and, thus, a fluid conduit 24 implemented in theannulus 25 of pipe segment tubing 22 secured in its annulus cavity 78.Additionally or alternatively, a testing port 82 on a reusable test head73 may be fluidly coupled to one or more external sensors 43A (e.g., viaone or more fluid extraction conduits 84), thereby enabling fluid thatflows from a fluid conduit 24, which is implemented in the annulus 25 ofpipe segment tubing 22, into its annulus cavity 78 to be supplied to theone or more external sensors 43A.

To facilitate sealing and/or securing pipe segment tubing 22 in itsannulus cavity 78, as in the depicted example, a reusable test head 73may include one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms 80 implemented inand/or directly adjacent to the annulus cavity 78. In particular, insome embodiments, an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 may include aninflatable bladder made of elastic material, such as rubber. When fluidis injected therein, the inflatable bladder may inflate and expandoutwardly, thereby increasing the force it exerts on its surroundings.On the other hand, when fluid is extracted therefrom, the inflatablebladder may deflate and contract inwardly, thereby decreasing the forceit exerts on its surroundings.

In other words, at least in such embodiments, decreasing inflation(e.g., deflating) of an inflatable fastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) 80implemented in the annulus cavity 78 of a reusable test head 73 mayreduce the resistance it exerts against movement of pipe segment tubing22 in the annulus cavity 78. On the other hand, at least in suchembodiments, increasing inflation (e.g., inflating) of the inflatablefastener mechanism 80 implemented in the annulus cavity 78 of thereusable test head 73 may increase the resistance it exerts againstmovement of the pipe segment tubing 22 in the annulus cavity 78. Thus,as will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, areusable test head 73 may be deployed on and/or removed from a pipesegment 20 while one or more of its inflatable fastener mechanisms 80 isin a less inflated state and secured to the pipe segment 20 at least inpart by transitioning and/or maintaining one or more of its inflatablefastener mechanisms 80 in a more inflated state.

To facilitate controlling inflation, as in the depicted example, thereusable test head 73 may include one or more inflation ports 86. Inparticular, an inflation port 86 may include an opening in the shell 74of the reusable test head 73 that enables fluid flow into and/or outfrom an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 implemented within the shell74. For example, an inflation port 86 on a reusable test head 73 may befluidly coupled to one or more inflation fluid sources 88 via one ormore inflation fluid conduits 90.

In some embodiments, an inflation fluid source 88 may include aninflation fluid pump and/or a compressed air tank, which is implementedand/or operated to selectively supply (e.g., inject and/or pump)inflation fluid to an inflatable fastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) 80,for example, based at least in part on a control signal 58 received froma testing device 40 and/or valve position of one or more valves fluidlycoupled between the inflation fluid source 88 and an inflation port 86of the reusable test head 73. Additionally or alternatively, aninflation port 86 of the reusable test head 73 may be selectivelycoupled to environmental conditions external to the reusable test head73, for example, based at least in part valve position of one or morevalves fluidly coupled to the inflation port 86 to enable selectivelydecreasing inflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 by releasinginflation fluid from its inflatable bladder into the externalenvironmental conditions.

To facilitate increasing security strength, as in the depicted example,in some embodiments, a reusable test head 73 may include one or morepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanisms 126 and/or one ormore axial securing (e.g., gripping) mechanisms 127 in addition to oneor more inflatable fastener mechanisms 80. As will be described in moredetail below, a pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126may be actuated by pneumatic inflation and/or deflation of acorresponding inflatable fastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) 80 and,thus, implemented within the reusable test head shell 74 along with theinflatable fastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) 80. Additionally, as willbe described in more detail below, an axial fastener mechanism 127 maybe separately secured to pipe segment tubing and, thus, implemented atleast in part external to the reusable test head shell 74. Byimplementing a reusable test head 73 in this manner, as will bedescribed in more detail below, the reusable test head 73 may beselectively secured to and, thus, used to test annulus (e.g., tubing)integrity of multiple different pipe segments 20, which, at least insome instances, may facilitate improving testing efficiency, forexample, by enabling a reduction in the number of test heads 44 used ina testing system 38 and/or during a testing process.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, a reusable test head 73 may not include a pneumaticallyactuated mechanical fastener mechanisms 126 and/or an axial fastenermechanism 127. Furthermore, in other embodiments, one or more internalsensors 43B may be additionally or alternatively be implemented withinthe shell 74 of a reusable test head 73.

To help further illustrate, an example of a reusable test head 73Acoupled (e.g., secured) to a pipe segment 20 is shown in FIG. 7. Asdepicted, the shell 74A of the reusable test head 73A includes an endcap (e.g., wall) 92 and an outer tube 94. Additionally, as depicted,multiple testing ports 82—namely a first testing port 82A and a secondtesting port 82B—open through the end cap 92. In some embodiments, thefirst testing port 82A may be fluidly coupled to one or more test fluidsources 42 while the second testing port 82B may be fluidly coupled toone or more external sensors 43A, for example, via one or more testfluid conduits 60 and one or more fluid extraction conduits 84,respectively.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 may be implementedwith a different shape. Additionally or alternatively, in otherembodiments, the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 may include asingle testing port 82 or more than two (e.g., three, four, or more)testing ports 82.

In any case, with regard to the depicted example, multiple inflationports 86—namely a first inflation port 86A and a second inflation port86B—open through the shell 74A of the reusable test head 73A. Inparticular, as depicted, the first inflation port 86A opens through theouter tube 94 of the shell 74A to enable a first inflation fluid conduit90A to extend therethrough. Additionally, as depicted, the secondinflation port 86B opens through the end cap 92 of the shell 74A toenable a second inflation fluid conduit 90B to extend therethrough. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, the first inflation fluid conduit 86Amay be fluidly coupled to a first inflatable fastener mechanism 80implemented within the shell 74A and, thus, used to facilitatecontrolling inflation of the first inflatable fastener mechanism 80while the second inflation fluid conduit 86B is fluidly coupled to asecond inflatable fastener mechanism 80 implemented within the shell 74Aand, thus, used to facilitate controlling inflation of the secondinflatable fastener mechanism 80.

To help illustrate, an example cross-section of a reusable test head 73Bis shown in FIG. 8. As depicted, the shell 74B of the reusable test head73B includes an inner tube 96 in addition to an outer tube 94 and an endcap 92. In some embodiments, the outer tube 94, the inner tube 96,and/or the end cap 92 may initially be discrete (e.g., separate)components and, thus, coupled (e.g., welded) to another discretecomponent during a shell manufacturing process. In fact, in some suchembodiments, the end cap 92 may be selectively disconnected from theouter tube 94 to facilitate improving user access to a correspondingannulus cavity 78, for example, to facilitate dislodging pipe segmenttubing 22 secured therein. In other embodiments, the reusable test headshell 74B (e.g., outer tube 94, the inner tube 96, and the end cap 92)may be implemented as a single component, for example, by milling thereusable test head shell 74B from a single block of metal.

As described above, in some embodiments, the shell 74 of a reusable testhead 73 may be implemented to define (e.g., enclose) a bore cavity 76and an annulus (e.g., tubing) cavity 78. To facilitate defining anannulus cavity 78 and a bore cavity 76, in some embodiments, the outertube 94 and the inner tube 96 of the reusable test head shell 74B may beconcentric. In such embodiments, the bore cavity 76 of the reusable testhead 73B may be defined by the space within an inner surface (e.g.,circumference and/or diameter)102 of the inner tube 96. Additionally, insuch embodiments, the annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73Bmay be defined by the space between an inner surface 98 of the outertube 94 and an outer surface (e.g., circumference and/or diameter) 100of the inner tube 96.

Furthermore, as depicted, the reusable test head 73B includes multipleinflatable fastener mechanisms 80—namely a first inflatable fastenermechanisms 80A and a second inflatable fastener mechanism 80B—in itsannulus cavity 78. In particular, as depicted, the first inflatablefastener mechanism 80A runs circumferentially along the inner surface 98of the outer tube 94 while the second inflatable fastener mechanism 80Bruns circumferentially along the outer surface 100 of the inner tube 96.Additionally, as in the depicted example, an inflatable fastenermechanism 80 in the reusable test head 73B may include an inflatablebladder 104. For example, a first inflatable bladder 104A of the firstinflatable fastener mechanism 80A may run circumferentially along theinner surface 98 of the outer tube 94 while a second inflatable bladder104B of the second inflatable fastener mechanism 80B runscircumferentially along the outer surface 100 of the inner tube 96.

Moreover, as depicted, a first inflation fluid conduit 90A that extendsthrough a first inflation port 86A on the reusable test head shell 74Bis fluidly coupled to the first inflatable bladder 104A of the firstinflatable fastener mechanism 80A and, thus, may be used to facilitatecontrolling inflation of the first inflatable fastener mechanism 80A.Similarly, as depicted, a second inflation fluid conduit 90B thatextends through a second inflation port 86B on the reusable test headshell 74B is fluidly coupled to the second inflatable bladder 104B ofthe second inflatable fastener mechanism 80B and, thus, may be used tofacilitate controlling inflation of the second inflatable fastenermechanism 80B. However, as depicted, the second inflation fluid conduit90B additionally extends through a third inflation port 86C in the shell74B (e.g., inner tube 96) of the reusable test head 73B.

Nevertheless, it should again be appreciated that the depicted exampleis merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular,in other embodiments, the inflatable bladder 104 of multiple inflatablefastener mechanism 80 may be fluidly coupled to enable inflation of theinflatable fastener mechanism 80 to be relatively concurrentlycontrolled. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, areusable test head 73 may include a single inflatable fastener mechanism80 or more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) inflatable fastenermechanisms 80. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a reusable test head73 may not include a bore cavity 76.

To help illustrate, another example cross-section of a reusable testhead 73C is shown in FIG. 9. As depicted, the shell 74C of the reusabletest head 73C includes an outer tube 94, an end cap 92, and an innercylinder 97, for example, instead of an inner shell tube 96. In someembodiments, the outer tube 94, the inner cylinder 97, and/or the endcap 92 may initially be discrete (e.g., separate) components and, thus,coupled (e.g., welded) to another discrete component during a shellmanufacturing process. In fact, in some such embodiments, the end cap 92may be selectively disconnected from the outer tube 94 to facilitateimproving user access to a corresponding annulus cavity 78, for example,to facilitate dislodging pipe segment tubing 22 secured therein. Inother embodiments, the reusable test head shell 74C (e.g., outer tube94, the inner cylinder 96, and the end cap 92) may be implemented as asingle component, for example, by milling the reusable test head shell74C from a single block of metal.

As described above, in some embodiments, the shell 74 of a reusable testhead 73 may be implemented to define an annulus (e.g., tubing) cavity78. To facilitate defining an annulus cavity 78, in some embodiments,the outer tube 94 and the inner cylinder 97 of the reusable test headshell 74C may be concentric. In such embodiments, the annulus cavity 78of the reusable test head 73C may be defined by the space between aninner surface 98 of the outer tube 94 and an outer surface (e.g.,circumference and/or diameter) 101 of the inner cylinder 97.

Moreover, as depicted, a first inflation fluid conduit 90A that extendsthrough a first inflation port 86A on the reusable test head shell 74Cis fluidly coupled to the first inflatable bladder 104A of the firstinflatable fastener mechanism 80A and, thus, may be used to facilitatecontrolling inflation of the first inflatable fastener mechanism 80A.Similarly, as depicted, a second inflation fluid conduit 90B thatextends through a second inflation port 86B on the reusable test headshell 74C is fluidly coupled to the second inflatable bladder 104B ofthe second inflatable fastener mechanism 80B and, thus, may be used tofacilitate controlling inflation of the second inflatable fastenermechanism 80B. In particular, to facilitate fluidly coupling the secondinflation fluid conduit 90B to the second inflatable bladder 104B, asdepicted, the second inflation port 86B extends through the end cap 92as well as the inner cylinder 97 of the reusable test head shell 74C.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 of a reusable test head73 may include an inflatable bladder 104 implemented with a differentshape. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the shell 74of a reusable test head 73 may not include an inner shell tube 96 or aninner shell cylinder 97.

To help illustrate, another example cross-section of a reusable testhead 73D is shown in FIG. 10. As depicted, the shell 74D of the reusabletest head 73D includes an outer tube 94 and an end cap 92, for example,without an inner shell tube 96 or an inner shell cylinder 97. In someembodiments, the outer tube 94 and the end cap 92 may initially bediscrete (e.g., separate) components and, thus, coupled (e.g., welded)to together during a shell manufacturing process. In fact, in some suchembodiments, the end cap 92 may be selectively disconnected from theouter tube 94 to facilitate improving user access to a correspondingannulus cavity 78, for example, to facilitate dislodging pipe segmenttubing 22 secured therein. In other embodiments, the reusable test headshell 74D (e.g., outer tube 94 and the end cap 92) may be implemented asa single component, for example, by milling the reusable test head shell74D from a single block of metal.

Additionally, as depicted, the reusable test head 73D includes multipleinflatable fastener mechanisms 80—namely an outer (e.g., first)inflatable fastener mechanisms 80A and an inner (e.g., second)inflatable fastener mechanism 80C—in its annulus cavity 78. Furthermore,as depicted, a first inflation fluid conduit 90A that extends through afirst inflation port 86A on the reusable test head shell 74D is fluidlycoupled to the outer (e.g., first) inflatable bladder 104A of the outerinflatable fastener mechanism 80A and, thus, may be used to facilitatecontrolling inflation of the outer inflatable fastener mechanism 80A.Similarly, as depicted, a second inflation fluid conduit 90B thatextends through a second inflation port 86B on the reusable test headshell 74D is fluidly coupled to an inner (e.g., second) inflatablebladder 104C of the inner inflatable fastener mechanism 80C and, thus,may be used to facilitate controlling inflation of the inner inflatablefastener mechanism 80C. Moreover, as depicted, the outer inflatablebladder 104A of the outer inflatable fastener mechanism 80A runscircumferentially along the inner surface 98 of the outer tube 94 whilethe inner inflatable bladder 104C of the inner inflatable fastenermechanism 80C floats within the reusable test head shell 74D, forexample, with the support of the second inflation fluid conduit 90B.

In any case, as described above, the inflatable bladder 104 of aninflatable fastener mechanism 80 may be implemented using elasticmaterial, such as rubber. As such, when fluid is injected therein, theinflatable bladder may inflate and expand outwardly, thereby increasingthe force it exerts on its surroundings. On the other hand, when fluidis extracted therefrom, the inflatable bladder may deflate and contractinwardly, thereby decreasing the force it exerts on its surroundings. Inother words, when pipe segment tubing 22 is present in the annuluscavity of a reusable test head 73, an inflatable fastener mechanism 80may exert more force on the pipe segment tubing 22 when its inflatablebladder 104 is in a more inflated state and less force on the pipesegment tubing 22 when its inflatable bladder 104 is in a less inflatedstate. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, implementing areusable test head 73 in this manner may enable the reusable test head73 to be selectively secured to and, thus, used to test integrity ofmultiple different pipe segments 20, which, at least in some instances,may facilitate reducing the number of test heads 44 used in a testingsystem 38 and, thus, improving testing efficiency for a pipeline system10.

To help further illustrate, an example of a process 106 for implementing(e.g., manufacturing) a reusable test head 73 is described in FIG. 11.Generally, the process 106 includes implementing a test head shell(process block 108) and implementing an inflatable fastener mechanismwithin an annulus cavity of the test head shell (process block 110).Although described in a specific order, which corresponds with anembodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that theexample process 106 is merely intended to be illustrative andnon-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process 106 forimplementing a reusable test head 73 may include one or more additionalprocess blocks and/or omit one or more of the depicted process blocks.For example, some embodiments of the process 106 additionally includesimplementing an axial fastener mechanism (process block 111) while otherembodiments of the process 106 do not.

As described above, the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 may beimplemented to define (e.g., enclose) an annulus cavity 78, for example,in addition to a bore cavity 76 (process block 108). To facilitatedefining the bore cavity 76, as described above, in some embodiments, areusable test head shell 74 may include an end cap 92, an outer tube 94,and an inner tube 96 or an inner cylinder. In such embodiments, theannulus cavity 78 may be defined by the space between an inner surface98 of the outer tube 94 and an outer surface 100 of the inner tube 96 orthe space between the inner surface 98 of the outer tube 94 and an outersurface 101 of the inner cylinder 97.

Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, a reusable testhead shell 74 may be implemented as a single component, for example, bymilling the reusable test head shell 74 from a single block of metal. Inother embodiments, a reusable test head shell 74 may be implemented bycombining multiple discrete components. For example, in suchembodiments, the reusable test head shell 74 may be implemented at leastin part by coupling (e.g., welding) the outer tube 94 and the inner tube96 or the inner cylinder 97 to the end cap 92. In fact, in some suchembodiments, the end cap 92 may be selectively disconnected from theouter tube 94 to facilitate improving user access to a correspondingannulus cavity 78, for example, to facilitate dislodging pipe segmenttubing 22 secured therein.

Furthermore, to facilitate testing integrity of pipe segment tubing 22secured in its annulus cavity 78, as described above, in someembodiments, a reusable test head shell 74 may include a testing port 82that enables fluid flow into and/or out from the annulus cavity 78 and,thus, a fluid conduit 24 implemented in the annulus 25 of the pipesegment tubing 22. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing areusable test head shell 74 may include implementing one or more testingports 82 on the reusable test head shell 74 (process block 112). Inparticular, in some embodiments, a testing port 82 may be implemented atleast in part by forming (e.g., drilling and/or milling) an opening(e.g., hole) in the reusable test head shell 74.

Moreover, to facilitate improving fluid flow between a testing port 82on a reusable test head shell 74 and a fluid conduit 24 implemented inan intermediate layer 34 of pipe segment tubing 22, in some embodiments,the reusable test head shell 74 may include a spacer mechanism in itsannulus cavity 78. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing areusable test head shell 74 may include implementing one or more spacermechanism in its annulus cavity 78 (process block 114). In particular,in some embodiments, a spacer mechanism may be a ring with one or moreopenings disposed in the annulus cavity 78 of a reusable test head shell74.

To help illustrate, an example cross-section of a reusable test head73E, which includes a spacer mechanism 116, and a pipe segment 20, whichis disposed in an annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73E, isshown in FIG. 12. As depicted, the tubing 22 of the pipe segment 20includes an inner layer 26, an outer layer 28, and an annulus (e.g., oneor more intermediate layers 34) 25. Additionally, as described above, tofacilitate testing integrity of pipe segment tubing 22, fluid may beflowed into and/or extracted from a fluid conduit 24 implemented in theannulus 25 of the pipe segment tubing 22 via a testing port 82 on areusable test head shell 74.

However, at least in some instances, inserting the pipe segment tubing22 until it directly abuts the end cap 92 of a reusable test head shell74 may inadvertently impede (e.g., block) a flow path between a testingport 82 on the reusable test head shell 74 and a fluid conduit 24implemented in the tubing annulus 25. Thus, to facilitate reducing thelikelihood of the pipe segment tubing 22 directly abutting the end cap92, as in the depicted example, the shell 74E of the reusable test head73E may include a spacer mechanism 116 implemented in its annulus cavity78. Moreover, to facilitate preserving a flow path between a testingport 82 and a fluid conduit 24 implemented in an intermediate layer 34of the pipe segment tubing 22, as in the depicted example, the spacermechanism 116 may include one or more openings 118.

To help illustrate, an example cross-section of a portion 120E of areusable test head 73, which includes a spacer mechanism 116, and pipesegment tubing 22, which is disposed in an annulus cavity 78 of thereusable test head 73, is shown in FIG. 13. As depicted, when the pipesegment tubing 22 is present in the annulus cavity 78, the opening 118in the spacer mechanism 116 may at least partially align with theannulus 25 of the pipe segment tubing 22 and, thus, a fluid conduit 26implemented in the tubing annulus 25. As such, the opening 118 in thespacer mechanism 116 may enable fluid to flow into and/or out from afluid conduit 24 implemented in the tubing annulus 25 even when the pipesegment tubing 22 directly abuts the spacer mechanism 116.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, a spacer mechanism 116 may not be implemented in a reusabletest head shell 74. To facilitate preserving a flow path between atesting port 82 on the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 and a fluidconduit 24 implemented in its tubing annulus 25, in some suchembodiments, the pipe segment tubing 22 may nevertheless be secured inthe reusable test head 73 such that the pipe segment tubing 22 does notdirectly abut its end cap 92, for example, by inserting the pipe segmenttubing 22 until it directly abuts the end cap 92 and withdrawing thepipe segment tubing 22 some distance before securing the reusable testhead 73 to the pipe segment tubing 22. Additionally or alternatively, inother embodiments, a reusable test head shell 74 may include a spacermechanism 116 as well as an inner shell cylinder 97, for example,instead of an inner shell tube 96. Furthermore, in some embodiments, theend cap 92 may be selectively disconnected facilitate improving useraccess to the annulus cavity 78, for example, to facilitate dislodgingpipe segment tubing 22 secured therein.

Returning to the process 106 of FIG. 11, as described above, one or moreinflatable fastener mechanisms 80 may be implemented in the annuluscavity 78 of the reusable test head shell 74 (process block 110).Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, an inflatablefastener mechanism 80 may include an inflatable bladder 104. Thus, insuch embodiments, implementing an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 mayinclude implementing (e.g., disposing and/or attaching) an inflatablebladder 104 in the annulus cavity 78, for example, along an innersurface (e.g., outer surface 100 of inner tube 96) of the annulus cavity78 and/or an outer surface (e.g., inner surface 98 of outer tube 94) ofthe annulus cavity 78 (process block 119). To facilitate increasingsecurity strength, in some embodiments, an outer (e.g., contact) surfaceof an inflatable bladder 104 may be contoured (e.g., rough) and/orcoated with a substance that provides a higher coefficient of frictionthan the base material of the inflatable bladder 104.

Moreover, as in the example portion 120E of FIG. 13, in someembodiments, multiple inflatable fastener mechanisms 80 may beimplemented in a reusable test head 73 such that they are axiallyaligned. However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example ismerely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, inother embodiments, a reusable test head 73 may additionally oralternatively include axially offset (e.g., unaligned) inflatablefastener mechanisms 80.

To help illustrate, another example of a portion 120F of a reusable testhead 73, which includes axially offset inflatable fastener mechanisms80, and pipe segment tubing 22, which is disposed in an annulus cavity78 of the reusable test head 73, is shown in FIG. 14. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to beillustrative and not limiting. For example, in some embodiments, the endcap 92 may be selectively disconnected facilitate improving user accessto the annulus cavity 78, for example, to facilitate dislodging pipesegment tubing 22 secured therein. Additionally or alternatively, inother embodiments, inflatable fastener mechanisms 80 in a reusable testhead 73 may include inflatable bladders 104 with differently sizedcross-section profiles.

To help illustrate, another example of a reusable test head 73G is shownin FIG. 15. As depicted, the shell 74G of the reusable test head 73G isimplemented to define (e.g., enclose) an annulus cavity 78. However, itshould be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to beillustrative and not limiting. In other particular, in otherembodiments, the reusable test head shell 74G may be implemented toadditionally define a bore cavity 76.

Additionally, as depicted, the reusable test head 73G includes a first(e.g., outer) inflatable bladder 104A of a first (e.g., outer)inflatable fastener mechanism 80A. Furthermore, as depicted, thereusable test head 73G includes a second (e.g., inner) inflatablebladder 104B of a second (e.g., inner) inflatable fastener mechanism80B. However, as depicted, the cross-section profile of the firstinflatable bladder 104A is larger (e.g., greater) than the cross-sectionprofile of the second inflatable bladder 104B.

Nevertheless, it should again be appreciated that the depicted exampleis merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, inother embodiments, the cross-section profile of the second (e.g., inner)inflatable bladder 104B may be larger than the cross-section profile ofthe first (e.g., outer) inflatable bladder 104A. In fact, in someembodiments, a reusable test head 73 may be implemented to enable aninflatable bladder 104 to be selectively swapped out for anotherinflatable bladder 104 that has a different cross-section profile, forexample, to enable the reusable test head 73 to be secured to and, thus,used to test pipe segments 20 with varying diameters. In other words, insuch embodiments, implementing an inflatable bladder 104 in the reusabletest head 73 may include selecting an inflatable bladder 104 with across-section profile that is expected to be sufficient to secure and/orseal a pipe segment 20 to be tested in the annulus cavity of thereusable test head 73.

To help illustrate, another example of a reusable test head 73H is shownin FIG. 16. Similar to the reusable test head shell 74G of FIG. 15, theshell 74H of the reusable test head 73H in FIG. 16 is implemented todefine (e.g., enclose) an annulus cavity 78. However, it should beappreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to beillustrative and not limiting. In other particular, in otherembodiments, the reusable test head shell 74H may be implemented toadditionally define a bore cavity 76.

Furthermore, similar to the reusable test head shell 74G of FIG. 15, asdepicted, the reusable test head 73H of FIG. 16 includes a first (e.g.,outer) inflatable bladder 104A of a first (e.g., outer) inflatablefastener mechanism 80A as well as a second (e.g., inner) inflatablebladder 104B of a second (e.g., inner) inflatable fastener mechanism80B. However, as depicted, the cross-section profile of the firstinflatable bladder 104A in FIG. 16 is larger (e.g., greater and/ortaller) than the cross-section profile of the first inflatable bladder104A in FIG. 15. In particular, as depicted, the first inflatablebladder 104A in FIG. 16 extends (e.g., protrudes) into the annuluscavity 78 more than the first inflatable bladder 104A in FIG. 15.

As such, in some embodiments, the first inflatable bladder 104A of FIG.15 may be suitable for securing and/or sealing pipe segments 20 with alarger diameter whereas the first inflatable bladder 104A of FIG. 16 issuitable for securing and/or sealing pipe segments 20 with a smallerdiameter. In other words, in such embodiments, the first inflatablebladder 104A of FIG. 15 may be swapped out for the first inflatablebladder 104A of FIG. 16 when the reusable test head 73 is to be used totest a pipe segment 20 with the smaller diameter. Additionally oralternatively, the first inflatable bladder 104A of FIG. 16 may beswapped out for the first inflatable bladder 104A of FIG. 15 when thereusable test head 73 is to be used to test a pipe segment 20 with thelarger diameter.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example ismerely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, inother embodiments, the second (e.g., inner) inflatable bladder 104B of areusable test head 73 may additionally or alternatively be selectivelyswapped out, for example, to facilitate further accounting forvariations in pipe segment diameters. In fact, to facilitate selectively(e.g., adaptively) adjusting the amount the inflatable bladder 104 of aninflatable fastener mechanism 80 protrudes into its annulus cavity 78,in some embodiments, the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 may includea removable end ring, for example, implemented at an open end of thereusable test head 73 that opposite its end cap 92.

To help illustrate, another example of a reusable test head 731 is shownin FIG. 17. Similar to the reusable test head shell 74G of FIG. 15, theshell 741 of the reusable test head 731 in FIG. 17 is implemented todefine (e.g., enclose) an annulus cavity 78. However, it should beappreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to beillustrative and not limiting. In other particular, in otherembodiments, the reusable test head shell 741 may be implemented toadditionally define a bore cavity 76.

Furthermore, similar to the reusable test head shell 74G of FIG. 15, asdepicted, the reusable test head 731 of FIG. 17 includes a first (e.g.,outer) inflatable bladder 104A of a first (e.g., outer) inflatablefastener mechanism 80A as well as a second (e.g., inner) inflatablebladder 104B of a second (e.g., inner) inflatable fastener mechanism80B. However, as depicted, the reusable test head 73G of FIG. 17additionally includes an end ring 1231, which is removably coupled at anopen end of the reusable test head 731. For example, in someembodiments, the end ring 1231 may be removably coupled to an outer tube94 of the reusable test head shell 741.

To facilitate removably coupling the end ring 1231 to the rest of thereusable test head 731, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments,the reusable test head shell 741 may include one or more threadedopenings 125 that extend through the end ring 1231 into a directlyadjacent portion of the reusable test head shell 741. For example, insome such embodiments, a first portion of a threaded opening 125 may beimplemented in the end ring 1231 and a second (e.g., different) portionof the threshold opening 125 may be implemented in an outer tube 94 ofthe reusable test head shell 741. As such, inserting a threaded fastenerthrough the first portion of threaded opening 125 in the end ring 1231and at least partially into the second portion of the threaded opening125 in the outer tube 94 may facilitate securing the end ring 1231 tothe reusable test head shell 741.

On the other hand, removing a threaded fastener at least from the secondportion of the threaded opening 125 in the outer tube 94 may enable theend ring 1231 to be removed from the rest of the reusable test head 731.As depicted, removing the end ring 1231 from the reusable test head 731of FIG. 17 may facilitate improving access to the first inflatablebladder 104A, for example, compared to the reusable test head 73G ofFIG. 15, which limits access to the first inflatable bladder 104A to itsannulus cavity 78. Merely as an illustrative non-limiting example, theend ring 1231 may be removed from the reusable test head 731 to enablethe first inflatable bladder 104A of FIG. 17 to be swapped out for thefirst inflatable bladder 104A of FIG. 16, which has a larger (e.g.,taller) cross-section profile, and reattached to the reusable test head731 after the swap.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example ismerely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, inother embodiments, a reusable test head 73 may additionally oralternatively include a removable end ring 123 implemented to facilitateselectively swapping out its second (e.g., inner) inflatable bladder104B. Moreover, to facilitate adaptively adjusting protrusion of aninflatable bladder 104, in some embodiments, a reusable test head 73 maybe implemented to enable differently sized and/or differently shaped endrings 123 to be selectively coupled thereto.

To help illustrate, another example of a reusable test head 73J is shownin FIG. 18. Similar to the reusable test head shell 741 of FIG. 17, theshell 74J of the reusable test head 731 in FIG. 18 is implemented todefine (e.g., enclose) an annulus cavity 78. However, it should beappreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to beillustrative and not limiting. In other particular, in otherembodiments, the reusable test head shell 74J may be implemented toadditionally define a bore cavity 76.

Furthermore, similar to the reusable test head shell 741 of FIG. 17, asdepicted, the reusable test head 73J of FIG. 18 includes a first (e.g.,outer) inflatable bladder 104A of a first (e.g., outer) inflatablefastener mechanism 80A as well as a second (e.g., inner) inflatablebladder 104B of a second (e.g., inner) inflatable fastener mechanism80B. In fact, the cross-section profile of the first inflatable bladder104A in FIG. 18 may match the cross-section profile of the firstinflatable bladder 104A in FIG. 17. Nevertheless, as depicted, the firstinflatable bladder 104A in FIG. 18 protrudes farther into the annuluscavity 78 than the first inflatable bladder 104A in FIG. 17.

To facilitate increasing protrusion distance of the first inflatablebladder 104A, as depicted in FIG. 18, a different end ring 123J isutilized in place of the end ring 1231 in FIG. 17. In particular, asdepicted, the end ring 123J of FIG. 18 additionally includes a spacercomponent 121 implemented around the first inflatable bladder 104A.Despite the increased protrusion distance, as depicted, an inward-facingsurface 107 of the end ring 123J is nevertheless approximately flushwith an inward-facing surface 109 of the first inflatable bladder 104A,which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving securingand/or sealing strength provided by the first inflatable bladder 104A,for example, at least in part by reducing the likelihood that pressurein the annulus cavity 78 extrudes the first inflatable bladder 104A suchthat its contact with pipe segment tubing 22 in the annulus cavity 78 isdisrupted (e.g., broken).

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example ismerely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, inother embodiments, corresponding surfaces of an inflatable bladder 104and an end ring 123 may not be flush. Merely as an illustrativenon-limiting example, the end ring 1231 of FIG. 17 may also be used withthe first inflatable bladder 104A of FIG. 16, which has a larger (e.g.,taller) cross-section profile compared to the first inflatable bladder104A of FIG. 17.

Returning to the process 106 of FIG. 11, as described above, tofacilitate controlling inflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism 80in a reusable test head 73, in some embodiments, its inflatable bladder104 may be fluidly coupled to an inflation port 86 implemented on theshell 74 of the reusable test head 73 and/or an inflation fluid conduit90 that extends through the inflation port 86 4. In other words, in suchembodiments, implementing an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 mayinclude implementing one or more inflation ports 86 on the reusable testhead shell 74 (process block 122). In particular, in some embodiments,an inflation port 86 may be implemented at least in part by forming(e.g., drilling and/or milling) an opening (e.g., hole) in the reusabletest head shell 74.

Moreover, as described above, to facilitate improving its security(e.g., holding) strength, in some embodiments, a reusable test head 73may additionally into one or more mechanical fastener mechanisms thatare actuated by an inflatable fastener mechanism 80. In other words, insuch embodiments, the process 106 for implementing a reusable test head73 may additionally include implementing one or more pneumaticallyactuated mechanical fastener mechanisms 126 (process block 124). Inparticular, as described above, actuation of a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126 in a reusable test head 73 may beproduced by pneumatic inflation and/or deflation of a correspondinginflatable fastener mechanism 80, for example, as compared to a swaged(e.g., purely mechanical) fastener mechanism that relies at least inpart on static deformation of a test head 44.

To help illustrate, another example cross-section of a portion 120K of areusable test head 73, which includes a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126A, and pipe segment tubing 22, which isdisposed in an annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73, is shownin FIG. 19 As depicted, a ramp 128 is implemented on a portion of ashell surface 130 that is directly adjacent the annulus cavity 78. Insome embodiments, the shell surface 130 on which a ramp 128 isimplemented may be an inner surface 98 of an outer shell tube 94 or anouter surface 100 of an inner shell tube 96.

Additionally, as depicted, the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism 126A includes a body 132A that is implemented with a(e.g., substantially and/or relatively) wedged cross-sectional profilethat interfaces with the ramp 128. In some embodiments, thepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126A may run alongthe length of a corresponding inflatable bladder 104 and, thus, its body132A may be a ring. Additionally, as in the depicted example, in someembodiments, a pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126Amay include one or more serrations (e.g., teeth) 134 that extend fromits body 132A.

In any case, as described above, the inflatable bladder 104 of aninflatable fastener mechanism 80 may generally expand outwardly as itsinflation state is pneumatically increased. Thus, at least in someinstances, pneumatically increasing inflation of the inflatable bladder104 adjacent the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism126A may push (e.g., force) the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism 126A up the ramp 128. In other words, when pipesegment tubing 22 is disposed in the annulus cavity 78, pneumaticallyincreasing inflation of the inflatable bladder 104 may move thepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126A toward thepipe segment tubing 22, for example, such that one or more of itsserrations 134 and/or its body 132A engages the pipe segment tubing 22.

On the other hand, as described above, the inflatable bladder 104 of aninflatable fastener mechanism 80 may generally contract inwardly as itsinflation state is pneumatically decreased (e.g., deflated). Thus, atleast in some instances, pneumatically decreasing inflation of theinflatable bladder 104 adjacent the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism 126A may enable the pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism 126A to move back down the ramp 128, for example, dueto material spring-back and/or with the assistance of gravity. In otherwords, when pipe segment tubing 22 is disposed in the annulus cavity 78,pneumatically decreasing inflation of the inflatable bladder 104 mayresult in the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126Amoving away from the pipe segment tubing 22, for example, such that oneor more of its serrations 134 and/or its body 132A disengages the pipesegment tubing 22.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, implementing a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126, such as the pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126A of FIG. 19, in a reusable test head73 may include forming a body 132A of the pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126 such that it has a (e.g.,substantially) triangular cross-sectional profile, for example, inaddition to one or more serrations 134 that extend therefrom. In suchembodiments, implementing the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastenermechanism 126 may additionally include forming a ramp 128 along aportion of a shell surface 130, which is directly adjacent to theinflatable bladder 104 of a corresponding inflatable fastener mechanism80 and the annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73. The body 132Aof the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126 may thenbe disposed in the annulus cavity 78 such that it interfaces (e.g.,slidably contacts) with the ramp 128.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, althoughmultiple inflatable fastener mechanisms 80 are depicted, in otherembodiments, a reusable test head 73 may include fewer (e.g., one) ormore (e.g., three, four, or more) inflatable fastener mechanisms 80.Additionally or alternatively, although a single pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126A is depicted, in other embodiments, areusable test head 73 may include multiple pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126A, for example, including anotherpneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126A that isdisposed in a ramp 128 implemented on another (e.g., opposite) shellsurface 136 of the reusable test head 73. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the end cap 92 may be selectively disconnected facilitateimproving user access to the annulus cavity 78, for example, tofacilitate dislodging pipe segment tubing 22 secured therein. Moreover,in other embodiments, a reusable test head 73 may additionally oralternatively include one or more other types of pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanisms 126.

To help illustrate, another example cross-section of a portion 120L of areusable test head 73, which includes a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126B, and pipe segment tubing 22, which isdisposed in an annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73, is shownin FIG. 20. As depicted, the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastenermechanism 126B includes one or more serrations (e.g., teeth) 134 thatextend into the annulus cavity 78. Additionally, as depicted, aninflatable fastener mechanism 80 is implemented along a shell surface130 of the reusable test head 73 and the pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126B is implemented along another (e.g.,opposite) shell surface 136 of the reusable test head 73. In otherwords, in some embodiments, implementing a pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126, such as the pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126B of FIG. 20, may include implementingone or more serrations (e.g., teeth) 134 on a surface of a reusable testhead shell 74 that is opposite a surface of the reusable test head shell74 on which a corresponding inflatable fastener mechanism 80 isimplemented.

When implemented in this manner, pneumatically increasing inflation ofthe inflatable fastener mechanism 80 may generally result in itsinflatable bladder 104 expanding outwardly toward the pneumaticallyactuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126B. In other words, when pipesegment tubing 22 is disposed in the annulus cavity 78, pneumaticallyincreasing inflation of the inflatable bladder 104 may push the pipesegment tubing 22 toward the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastenermechanism 126B, for example, such that the pipe segment tubing 22engages one or more serrations 134 of the pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126B. On the other hand, pneumaticallydecreasing inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism 80 may resultin its inflatable bladder 104 contracting inwardly away from thepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126B. In otherwords, when pipe segment tubing 22 is disposed in the annulus cavity 78,pneumatically decreasing inflation of the inflatable bladder 104 mayenable the pipe segment tubing 22 to move away from the pneumaticallyactuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126B, for example, such that thepipe segment tubing 22 disengages one or more serrations 134 of thepneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126B due tomaterial spring-back and/or with the assistance of external force, suchas gravity.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, although asingle pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126B isdepicted, in other embodiments, multiple pneumatically actuatedmechanical fastener mechanism 126B may be implemented in a reusable testhead 73. Additionally, in some embodiments, a reusable test head 73 mayinclude the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanisms 126Bof FIG. 20 as well as the pneumatically actuated mechanical fastenermechanisms 126A of FIG. 19. Furthermore, in other embodiments, areusable test head 73 may include an inflatable fastener mechanism 80,but not a pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism 126.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the end cap 92 maybe selectively disconnected facilitate improving user access to theannulus cavity 78, for example, to facilitate dislodging pipe segmenttubing 22 secured therein. Moreover, as described above, in someembodiments, a reusable test head 73 may additionally include an axialfastener mechanism 127. Thus, in such embodiments, implementing thereusable test head 73 may additionally include implementing one or moreaxial fastener mechanisms 127 (process block 111).

To help illustrate, another example of a reusable test head 73M, whichincludes an axial fastener mechanism 127, coupled (e.g., secured) to apipe segment 20 is shown in FIG. 21. As depicted, the shell 74M of thereusable test head 73M includes multiple shell flanges 129—namely afirst shell flange 129A and a second shell flange 129B—that extendtherefrom. Additionally, as depicted, the axial fastener mechanism 127includes a tubing engaging component—namely a tubing engaging clamp131—and a support arm 133, which is coupled to the reusable test headshell 74M and the tubing engaging clamp 131.

Thus, returning to the process 106 of FIG. 11, in some embodiments,implementing an axial fastener mechanism 127 may include implementingone or more tubing engaging components, such as a tubing engaging clamp131, (process block 113) and implementing one or more support arms 133(process block 115). As in the example reusable test head 73M of FIG.21, in some embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be coupled to asupport arm 133 via one or more nut 135 and bolt 137 pairs. For example,a bolt 137 may extend through an opening (e.g., hole) in a first clampflange 139A, an opening in the support arm 133, and an opening in asecond clamp flange 139B.

As such, tightening a nut 135 on a threaded end of the bolt 137 may pullthe second clamp flange 139B toward the first clamp flange 139A. Inother words, tightening the nut 135 may pull the tubing engaging clamp131 inwardly, for example, such that an inner surface of the tubingengaging clamp 131 engages (e.g., grips and/or squeezes) the outersurface of pipe segment tubing 22 present therein and, thus, resistsmovement of the pipe segment tubing 22. On the other hand, loosening thenut 135 may enable the second clamp flange 139B to move away from thefirst clamp flange 139A and, thus, the tubing engaging clamp 131 toexpand outwardly, for example, such that an inner surface of the tubingengaging clamp 131 disengages the outer surface of pipe segment tubing22 present therein.

To help further illustrate, an example of a tubing engaging clamp 131A,which may be included in an axial fastener mechanism 127 of a reusabletest head 73, is shown in FIG. 22. As depicted, the tubing engagingclamp 131A includes multiple clamp segments 141—namely a first clampsegment (e.g., halve) 141A, which has a first clamp flange 139A thatextends out from its body, and a second clamp segment (e.g., halve)141B, which has a second clamp flange 139B that extends out from itsbody. In other words, in some embodiments, implementing a tubingengaging clamp 131 may include implementing one or more clamp segments141.

Furthermore, as depicted, the first clamp segment 141A includes a thirdclamp flange 139C in addition to the first clamp flange 139A and thesecond clamp segment 141B includes a fourth clamp flange 139D inaddition to the second clamp flange 139B. In other words, in someembodiments, implementing a clamp segment 141 of a tubing engaging clamp131 may include implementing one or more clamp flanges 139 that extendout from its body. Moreover, as depicted, a first bolt 137A extendsthrough an opening (e.g., hole) in the first clamp flange 139A of thefirst clamp segment 141A and an opening in the second clamp flange 139Bof the second clamp segment 141B while a second bolt 137B extendsthrough an opening in the third clamp flange 139C of the first clampsegment 141C and an opening in the fourth clamp flange 139D of thesecond clamp segment 141B. As such, in some embodiments, implementing aclamp segment 141 may include implementing (e.g., drilling and/ormilling) one or more openings in one or more of its clamp flanges 139.

In particular, as depicted, the first bolt 137A extends through thefirst clamp flange 139A of the first clamp segment 141A and the secondclamp flange 139B of the second claim segment 141B such that itshead—namely a first bolt head 143A—is on an outward-facing side of thefirst clamp flange 139A and at least a threaded portion of its shank(e.g., shaft)—namely a first bolt shank 145A—is on an outward-facingside of the second clamp flange 139B. Similarly, as depicted, the secondbolt 137B extends through the third clamp flange 139C of the first clampsegment 141A and the fourth clamp flange 139D of the second claimsegment 141B such that its head—namely a second bolt head 143B—is on anoutward-facing side of the third clamp flange 139C and at least athreaded portion of its shank—namely a second bolt shank 145B—is on anoutward-facing side of the fourth clamp flange 139D. As such, tighteninga first nut 139A on a threaded end of the first bolt shank 145A and/ortightening a second nut 135B on a threaded end of the second bolt shank145B may pull (e.g., force) an inner surface 147 of the second clampsegment 141B toward an inner surface 147 of the first clamp segment141A.

In other words, when a pipe segment 20 is present therein, tightening anut 135 on a threaded end of a bolt shank 145 that extends through aclamp flange 139 of a tubing engaging clamp 131A may compress an innersurface 147 of the tubing engaging clamp 131 inwardly around the tubing22 of the pipe segment 20, for example, such that the inner surface 147of the tubing engaging clamp 131 grips (e.g., engages) an outer surfaceof the pipe segment tubing 22 and, thus, resists movement of the pipesegment tubing 22. In fact, to facilitate improving its grip strength,in some embodiments, an inner surface 147 of a tubing engaging clamp 131may be contoured (e.g., rough) and/or coated with a substance thatprovides a higher coefficient of friction than the base material of thetubing engaging clamp 131. On the other hand, loosening the nut 135 onthe threaded end of the bolt shank 145 may enable the inner surface 147of the tubing engaging clamp 131 to expand outwardly, for example, dueto gravity, material spring-back of the tubing engaging clamp 131,and/or material spring-back of the pipe segment tubing 22 such that theinner surface 147 of the tubing engaging clamp 131 disengages the outersurface of the pipe segment tubing 22.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, multiple nut 135 and bolt 137 pairs may be coupled througha clamp flange 139. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments,a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be implemented using more than two(e.g., three, four, or more) clamp segments 141A or a single clampsegment 141, such as a C-shaped clamp segment 141. Furthermore, in otherembodiments, an axial fastener mechanism 127 may include and/or utilizeother types of threaded fasteners. Moreover, as described above, tofacilitate securing a tubing engaging clamp 131 to the shell 74 of areusable test head 73, one or more support arms 133 may be coupledbetween pairs of clamp flanges 139. In other words, with regard to theexample tubing engaging clamp 131A of FIG. 22, a first support arm 133may be coupled between the first clamp flange 139A and the second clampflange 139B while a second support arm 133 may be coupled between thethird clamp flange 139C and the fourth clamp flange 139D.

In fact, as in the example reusable test head 73M of FIG. 21, in someembodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 and a corresponding support arm133 may be implemented such that space 149 is left between its clampflanges 139 and the support arm 133 even after an inner surface of thetubing engaging clamp 131 initially contacts the outer surface of pipesegment tubing 22. In other words, in such embodiments, the remainingspace 149 may enable the tubing engaging clamp 131 to be furthercompressed even after it initially contacts the pipe segment tubing 22,which, at least in some instances, may facilitate increasing its gripstrength. Moreover, as described above, to facilitate further improvingits grip strength, in some embodiments, an inner surface 147 of a tubingengaging clamp 131 may additionally or alternatively be contoured (e.g.,rough) and/or coated with a substance that provides a higher coefficientof friction than the base material of the tubing engaging clamp 131.

Furthermore, as described above, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may besecured to the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 via a correspondingsupport arm 133. In some embodiments, as in the example reusable testhead 73M of FIG. 21, a support arm 133 of an axial fastener mechanism127 may be a discrete component separate from the reusable test headshell 74M. Thus, as depicted, the support arm 133 is secured to thereusable test head shell 74M via a bolt 137, which extends through anopening in its first shell flange 129A, an opening in the support arm133, and an opening in its second shell flange 129B, and a nut 135coupled to a threaded end of the bolt 137. In other words, in suchembodiments, an axial fastener mechanism 127 may be anchored (e.g.,secured) to a reusable test head shell 74 via a shell flange 129 thatextends therefrom and, thus, implementing the reusable test head shell74 may include implementing one or more anchor components, such as ashell flange 129, thereon.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merelyintended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in otherembodiments, an axial fastener mechanism 127 of a reusable test head 73may include multiple tubing engaging clamps 131. Additionally oralternatively, in other embodiments, a support arm 133 of an axialfastener mechanism 127 may be secured to a shell flange 129 usingmultiple (e.g., two or more) nut 135 and bolt 137 pairs. Furthermore, inother embodiments, a support arm 133 of an axial fastener mechanism 127may directly be implemented (e.g., integrated) as part of a reusabletest head shell 74.

To help illustrate, another example of a reusable test head 73N, whichincludes an axial fastener mechanism 127, coupled (e.g., secured) to apipe segment 20 is shown in FIG. 23. As depicted, a support arm 133 ofthe axial fastener mechanism 127 is integrated as part of the shell 74Nof the reusable test head 73N. For example, in some embodiments, thesupport arm 133 may be integrated with and extend from an outer tube 94of the reusable test head shell 74N. Accordingly, as depicted, one ormore shell flanges 129 may be obviated and, thus, not implemented on thereusable test head shell 74N.

In any case, as described above, implementing one or more axial fastenermechanisms 127 in a reusable test head 73 may facilitate securing pipesegment tubing 22 and, thus, its tubing annulus 25 in the annulus cavity78 of the reusable test head 73, for example, at least in part byincreasing the resistance (e.g., force) the reusable test head 73 exertsagainst movement (e.g., axial movement) of the pipe segment tubing 22.In other words, in some embodiments, an axial fastener mechanism 127 ofa reusable test head 73 may be implemented and/or operated to supplementthe security provided by one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms 80of the reusable test head 73. In any case, as described above,implementing a reusable test head 73 with one or more inflatablefastener mechanisms 80 may enable the reusable test head 73 to beselectively secured to and, thus, used to facilitate testing integrityof multiple different pipe segments 20, which, at least in someinstances, may facilitate improving testing efficiency for a pipelinesystem 10 in which the pipe segments 20 are or are to be deployed.

To help illustrate, an example of a process 138 for selectively securinga reusable test head 73 to a pipe segment 20 is described in FIG. 24.Generally, the process 138 includes maintaining an inflatable fastenermechanism in a less than fully inflated state (process block 140) andinserting pipe segment tubing into an annulus cavity of a reusable testhead (process block 142). Additionally, the process 138 includesincreasing inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism (process block144).

Although described in a specific order, which corresponds with anembodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that theexample process 138 is merely intended to be illustrative andnon-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process 138 forselectively securing a reusable test head 73 to a pipe segment 20 mayinclude one or more additional process blocks and/or omit one or more ofthe depicted process blocks. For example, some embodiments of theprocess 138 may additionally include coupling an axial fastenermechanism to pipe segment tubing (process block 151) while otherembodiments of the process 138 do not. Moreover, in some embodiments,the process 138 may be performed at least in part by executinginstructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readablemedium, such as memory 52 in a testing device 40, using processingcircuitry, such as a processor 50 in the testing device 40.

For example, in some such embodiments, a testing device 40 in a testingsystem 38 may instruct the testing system 38 to maintain an inflatablefastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) 80 of a reusable test head 73 in aless than fully inflated state (process block 140). As described above,in some embodiments, an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 may include aninflatable bladder 104 that is fluidly coupled to an inflation port 86on a reusable test head shell 74 and/or an inflation fluid conduit 90that extends through the inflation port 86. Additionally, as describedabove, in some embodiments, an inflation port 86 on a reusable test headshell 74 and/or an inflation fluid conduit 90 that extends therethroughmay be fluidly coupled to one or more inflation fluid sources 88.

Thus, to facilitate maintaining an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 in aless than fully inflated state, in such embodiments, a testing device 40may selectively instruct an inflation fluid source 88 in the testingsystem 38 to inject inflation fluid into and/or extract inflation fluidout from the inflatable bladder 104 of the inflatable fastener mechanism80. Additionally or alternatively, the testing device 40 may selectivelyinstruct the testing system 38 to release inflation fluid from theinflatable bladder 104, for example, into its external environment. Inother embodiments, an operator (e.g., user) may manually controlinflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism 80, for example, byselectively turning on an inflation fluid pump and/or adjusting valveposition of a value fluidly coupled to the inflatable fastener mechanism80.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the less than fully inflated state ofthe inflatable fastener mechanism 80 may be a fully deflated state. Inother embodiments, the less than fully inflated state of the inflatablefastener mechanism 80 may be a partially inflated state. In any case, asdescribed above, the size of the inflatable bladder 104 of an inflatablefastener mechanism 80 and, thus, the force it exerts on its surroundingsgenerally varies with its inflation state. In other words, an inflatablefastener mechanism 80 in the reusable test head 73 may exert lessresistance against movement in the annulus cavity 78 while in a lessinflated state and more resistance against movement in the annuluscavity 78 while in a more (e.g., fully) inflated state.

As such, the tubing 22 of a pipe segment 20 to be secured and/or sealedin the reusable test head 73 may be inserted (e.g., slid) into itsannulus cavity 78 while one or more of its inflatable fastenermechanisms 80 is in the less than fully inflated state (process block142). As described above, in some embodiments, a reusable test head 73may include a spacer mechanism 116 implemented in its annulus cavity 78,for example, to facilitate reducing the likelihood that an end cap 92 ofits shell 74 inadvertently impedes (e.g., blocks) a flow path between atesting port 82 on the shell 74 and a fluid conduit 24 implemented in anintermediate layer 34 of the pipe segment tubing 22. Thus, in suchembodiments, inserting the pipe segment tubing 22 may include insertingthe pipe segment tubing 22 into the annulus cavity 78 until the pipesegment tubing 22 abuts the spacer mechanism 116 (process block 146).

However, in other embodiments, the reusable test head 73 may not includea spacer mechanism 116 implemented in its annulus cavity 78. Tofacilitate preserving the flow path between a testing port 82 and afluid conduit 24 implemented in the annulus 25 of pipe segment tubing22, in such embodiments, inserting the pipe segment tubing 22 mayinclude inserting the pipe segment tubing 22 into the annulus cavity 78until the pipe segment tubing 22 abuts the end cap 92 of the reusabletest head 73 and then withdrawing the pipe segment tubing 22 somedistance (process block 148). In other words, in such embodiments, thepipe segment tubing 22 may be inserted into the annulus cavity 78 afirst distance and then partially withdrawn from the annulus cavity 78 asecond distance that is less than the first distance.

To facilitate sealing and/or securing pipe segment tubing 22 in theannulus cavity 78 of a reusable test head 73, in some embodiments, atesting device 40 in a testing system 38 may instruct the testing system38 to increase inflation of one or more inflatable fastener mechanisms80 implemented in the reusable test head 73 (process block 144). Inother words, in such embodiments, the testing device 40 may instruct thetesting system 38 to increase inflation of an inflatable fastenermechanism 80 in the reusable test head 73 from the less than fullyinflated state to a more inflated state, for example, in addition tosubsequently instructing the testing system 38 to maintain theinflatable fastener mechanism 80 in the more inflated state. Inparticular, to facilitate increasing to and/or maintaining the moreinflated state, in some embodiments, the testing device 40 mayselectively instruct an inflation fluid source 88 in the testing system38 to inject inflation fluid into the inflatable bladder 104 of theinflatable fastener mechanism 80. In other embodiments, an operator(e.g., user) may manually control inflation of the inflatable fastenermechanism 80, for example, by selectively turning on an inflation fluidpump and/or adjusting valve position of a value fluidly coupled to theinflatable fastener mechanism 80.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the more inflated state that is usedto secure and/or seal the reusable test head 73 to the pipe segmenttubing 22 may be a fully inflated state. However, in other embodiments,the more inflated state may nevertheless be a partially inflated state.In fact, in some embodiments, different inflation states may be used tosecure a reusable test head 73 to different pipe segments 20, forexample, to enable the reusable test head 73 to be used for testingmultiple different types of pipe segments 20. Merely as an illustrativenon-limiting example, the more inflated state may be a fully inflatedstate when the reusable test head 73 is secured to a pipe segment 20with a thinner tubing 22 and a partially inflated state when thereusable test head 73 is secured to a pipe segment 20 with a thickertubing 22.

Moreover, as described above, in some embodiments, pneumaticallyadjusting inflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 implementedin a reusable test head 73 may enable actuation of a mechanical fastenermechanism—namely a pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism126—implemented in the reusable test head 73. In other words, in suchembodiments, increasing inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism80 may include pneumatically actuating the mechanical fastener mechanism(process block 150). Furthermore, as described above, in someembodiments, a reusable test head 73 may include one or more axialfastener mechanisms 127 in addition to an inflatable fastener mechanism80. Thus, in such embodiments, deploying the reusable test head 73 mayadditionally include coupling one or more axial fastener mechanism 127to pipe segment tubing (process block 151).

As described above, in some embodiments, an axial fastener mechanism 127of a reusable test head 73 may include a tubing engaging component, suchas a tubing engaging clamp 131, and a support arm 133. Additionally, asdescribed above, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be secured to the shell74 of a reusable test head 73 via a corresponding support arm 133. Thus,in such embodiments, deploying an axial fastener mechanism 127 mayincluding coupling its tubing engaging clamp 131 to a correspondingsupport arm 133 (process block 153). In particular, as described above,in some embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be coupled to asupport arm 133 at least in part by tightening a nut 135 on a threadedend of a bolt 137 that extends through an opening in a clamp flange 139of the tubing engaging clamp 131 and an opening in the support arm 133.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example ismerely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, asin the depicted example, in some embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp131 of a reusable test head 73 may be deployed and, thus, coupled to acorresponding support arm 133 after pipe segment tubing 22 has alreadybeen inserted into the annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73.In other embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 of a reusable testhead 73 may be coupled to a corresponding support arm 133 before pipesegment tubing 22 has already been inserted into the annulus cavity 78of the reusable test head 73. Thus, in such embodiments, inserting pipesegment tubing 22 into the annulus cavity 78 of a reusable test head 73may include sliding (e.g., inserting) the pipe segment tubing 22 thoughthe tubing engaging clamp 131 while the tubing engaging clamp 131 is ina loosened state.

Moreover, as described above, in some embodiments, a tubing engagingclamp 131 may resist movement of pipe segment tubing 22 when its innersurface 147 engages (e.g., contacts and/or squeezes) an outer surface ofthe pipe segment tubing 22. Thus, in such embodiments, deploying anaxial fastener mechanism 127 may include tightening its tubing engagingclamp 131 around the pipe segment tubing 22 (process block 155). Inother words, in such embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may betightened around pipe segment tubing 22 at least in part bytransitioning the tubing engaging clamp 131 from the loosened state to atighter (e.g., tightened) state. In particular, as described above, insome embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be transitioned to atighter state at least in part by tightening a nut 135 on a threaded endof bolt 137 that expends through an opening in at least one clamp flange139 of the tubing engaging clamp 131, for example, in addition to anopening in a corresponding support arm 133.

In this manner, one or more axial fastener mechanisms 127 of a reusabletest head 73 may be deployed to facilitate securing pipe segment tubing22 in an annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73, for example, atleast in part by increasing the resistance (e.g., force) the reusabletest head 73 exerts against movement (e.g., axial movement) of the pipesegment tubing 22. In other words, in some embodiments, an axialfastener mechanism 127 of a reusable test head 73 may be deployed tosupplement the security provided by one or more inflatable fastenermechanisms 80 of the reusable test head 73, for example, in addition tothe security provided by one or more pneumatically actuated mechanicalfastener mechanism 126 of the reusable test head 73. In any case, asdescribed above, increasing inflation of an inflatable fastenermechanism 80 implemented in a reusable test head 73 may increase theresistance it exerts against movement in the annulus cavity 78 of thereusable test head 73 and, thus, deploying the reusable test head 73 inthis manner may enable selectively securing the reusable test head 73 topipe segment tubing 22 present in the annulus cavity 78.

Returning to the process 62 of FIG. 5, the testing system 38 may thenperform a pipe segment integrity test on a pipe segment 20 secured tothe test head 44 (e.g., reusable test head 73) (process block 66). Tohelp illustrate, an example of a process 152 for testing pipe segmentintegrity is described in FIG. 25. Generally, the process 152 includesinjecting test fluid into a pipe segment annulus (process block 154),determining a downstream fluid parameter (process block 156), anddetermining integrity state of the pipe segment annulus based on thedownstream fluid parameter (process block 158).

Although described in a specific order, which corresponds with anembodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that theexample process 152 is merely intended to be illustrative andnon-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process 152 forperforming a pipe segment integrity test may include one or moreadditional process blocks and/or omit one or more of the depictedprocess blocks. Moreover, in some embodiments, the process 152 may beperformed at least in part by executing instructions stored in atangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium, such as memory 52 ina testing device 40, using processing circuitry, such as a processor 50in the testing device 40.

For example, in some such embodiments, a testing device 40 in a testingsystem 38 may instruct the testing system 38 to inject test fluid (e.g.,gas and/or liquid) into the tubing annulus 25 of a pipe segment 20 thatis secure to a test head 44 (e.g., reusable test head 73) in the testingsystem 38 (process block 154). As described above, in some embodiments,one or more fluid conduits 24 may be implemented in the annulus 25(e.g., one or more intermediate layers 34) of pipe segment tubing 22.Additionally, as described above, a fluid conduit 24 implemented in thetubing annulus 25 may be fluidly coupled to a testing port 82 on theshell 74 of a reusable test head 73 when the pipe segment tubing 22 ispresent in the annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73.Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, a testing port 82on the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 may be fluidly coupled to oneor more test fluid sources 42. Thus, to inject test fluid into thetubing annulus 25, in such embodiments, the testing device 40 mayselectively instruct a test fluid source 42 to supply (e.g., pump and/orflow) the test fluid to the testing port 82 implemented on the shell 74of the reusable test head 73, for example, via one or more controlsignals 58. In other embodiments, an operator (e.g., user) may manuallycontrol injection of the test fluid, for example, by selectively turningon a test fluid pump and/or adjusting valve position of a value fluidlycoupled to the testing port 82.

Moreover, as described above, in some embodiments, the test fluid may bean inert fluid, such as nitrogen (e.g., N₂) gas, for example, tofacilitate reducing the likelihood that the test fluid itself affects(e.g., reduces) integrity of pipe segment tubing 22. In any case, aswill be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, theintegrity state of pipe segment tubing 22 may be determined based atleast in part on one or more fluid parameters, such as temperature,pressure, and/or composition, of the test fluid. In some suchembodiments, one or more fluid parameters of the test fluid may bepre-determined, for example, offline by a test lab and/or a fluidsupplier and stored in memory 52 of the testing system 38. Additionallyor alternatively, one or more fluid parameters of the test fluid may bedetermined while the test fluid is being supplied to a fluid conduit 24implemented in an intermediate layer 34 of the pipe segment tubing 22,for example, online and/or in real-time via one or more sensors 43.

Furthermore, the testing system 38 may determine one or more downstreamfluid parameters that result from injection of the test fluid into oneor more fluid conduits 24 implemented the annulus 25 (e.g., one or moreintermediate layers 34) of the pipe segment tubing 22 (process block154). As described above, in some embodiments, the one or moredownstream fluid parameters may include a downstream fluid pressuredetermined (e.g., measured and/or sensed) by a pressure sensor 43, adownstream fluid temperature determined by a temperature sensor 43,and/or a downstream fluid composition determined by a fluid compositionsensor 43. Thus, in such embodiments, determining the one or moredownstream fluid parameters may include determining a downstream fluidpressure (process block 160), determining a downstream fluid temperature(process block 162), determining a downstream fluid composition (processblock 164), or any combination thereof, for example, based at least inpart on corresponding sensor signals 56 received from one or moresensors 43.

The testing system 38 may then determine an integrity state of the pipesegment tubing 22 based at least in part on the one or more downstreamfluid parameters (process block 158). As described above, the tubing 22of a pipe segment 20 is generally implemented to facilitate isolating(e.g., insulating) conditions internal to the pipe segment 20 fromenvironmental conditions external to the pipe segment 20. Generally,when a defect is not present on its tubing 22, one or more parameters(e.g., characteristics and/or properties) of fluid flowing through apipe segment 20 may nevertheless change as it flows therethrough.However, a fluid parameter change resulting from fluid flow through apipe segment 20 with a non-defective pipe segment tubing 22 is generallypredictable, for example, based at least in part on a model, empiricaltesting, environmental conditions external to the pipe segment 20, fluidparameters of fluid input (e.g., supplied) to the pipe segment 20,implementation parameters, such as material and/or thickness, of thepipe segment tubing 22, or any combination thereof

In other words, at least in some instances, an actual fluid parameterchange that differs (e.g., deviates) from a corresponding expected(e.g., predicted) fluid parameter change may be indicative of a defectbeing present on pipe segment tubing 22. For example, an actual fluidpressure change (e.g., drop) that differs from an expected fluidpressure change may be indicative of fluid leaking from a fluid conduit24 implemented in an intermediate layer 34 of the pipe segment tubing 22and, thus, that the pipe segment tubing 22 is potentially defective.Additionally, an actual fluid temperature change (e.g., increase ordecrease) that differs from an expected fluid temperature change may beindicative increased heat transfer between a fluid conduit 24implemented in an intermediate layer 34 of the pipe segment tubing 22and conditions external to the pipe segment tubing 22 and, thus, thatthe pipe segment tubing is potentially defective and/or that theexternal (e.g., environmental and/or bore) conditions will potentiallyshorten the lifespan of the pipe segment tubing 22. Furthermore, anactual fluid composition change that differs from an expected fluidcomposition change may be indicative of conditions external to the pipesegment tubing 22 contaminating the conditions in a fluid conduit 24implemented in an intermediate layer 34 of the pipe segment tubing 22and, thus, that the pipe segment tubing 22 is potentially defective.

To determine an actual fluid parameter change, the testing system 38 maycompare a downstream fluid parameter with a corresponding fluidparameter of the test fluid. For example, the testing system 38 maydetermine an actual fluid pressure change at least in part by comparingthe downstream fluid pressure with the fluid pressure of the test fluid.Additionally, the testing system 38 may determine an actual fluidtemperature change at least in part by comparing the downstream fluidtemperature with the fluid temperature of the test fluid. Furthermore,the testing system 38 may determine an actual fluid temperature changeat least in part by comparing the downstream fluid temperature with thefluid temperature of the test fluid.

In some embodiments, the testing system 38 may identify that theintegrity state of the pipe segment tubing 22 is a non-defective statewhen each of the actual fluid parameter changes does not differ from acorresponding expected fluid parameter change by more than an errorthreshold, for example, which accounts for sensor (e.g., measurement)error. On the other hand, the testing system 38 may identify that theintegrity state of the pipe segment tubing 22 is a defective state whenone or more of the actual fluid parameter changes differs from acorresponding expected (e.g., predicted) fluid parameter change, forexample, by more than a corresponding error threshold. Moreover, whenthe integrity state is a defective state, in some embodiments, thetesting system 38 may identify an expected type and/or an expectedlocation of one or more defects on the pipe segment tubing 22, forexample, based at least in part on where the downstream fluid parametersare sensed and/or how an actual fluid parameter change deviates from acorresponding expected fluid parameter change. In this manner, a testingsystem 38 may be operated to perform a cycle of a pipe segment integritytest.

Returning to the process 62 of FIG. 5, the testing system 38 maydetermine whether the pipe segment 20 being tested has passed the pipesegment integrity test (decision block 68). In particular, the testingsystem 38 may determine that the pipe segment 20 has passed when thepipe segment integrity test determines that the integrity state of itstubing 22 is a non-defective state. On the other hand, the testingsystem 38 may determine that the pipe segment 20 has not passed when thepipe segment integrity test determines that the integrity state of itstubing 22 is a defective state.

To facilitate improving operational efficiency and/or operationalreliability of a pipeline system 10 in which the pipe segment 20 is oris to be deployed, when the pipe segment 20 has not passed the pipesegment integrity test, one or more defects on its tubing 22 may befixed (e.g., ameliorated), for example, by a user (e.g., operator) ofthe testing system 38 (process block 72). To facilitate communicatingresults of the pipe segment integrity test, in some embodiments, thetesting system 38 may instruct an I/O device 54—namely an electronicdisplay—to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides avisual representation of the pipe segment integrity test results. Forexample, the graphical user interface may include a visualrepresentation of the integrity state of the pipe segment tubing 22, anexpected type of defect present on the pipe segment tubing 22, and/or anexpected location of a defect on the pipe segment tubing 22. In fact, insome embodiments, another cycle of the pipe segment integrity test maybe performed on the pipe segment 20 once a defect in its tubing 22 isbelieved to have been fixed (arrow 166)

On the other hand, when the pipe segment 20 has passed the pipe segmentintegrity test, the test head 44 may be removed from the pipe segment 20(process block 70). As described above, in some embodiments, a test head44 (e.g., reusable test head 73) may include at least one inflatablefastener mechanism 80. In particular, as described above, in suchembodiments, a pipe segment 20 may be sealed and/or secured in thereusable test head 73 while the inflatable fastener mechanism 80 is in amore inflated state. On the other hand, as described above, theinflatable fastener mechanism 80 may allow for more movement in theannulus cavity of the reusable test head 73 while in a less inflatedstate. Thus, in such embodiments, the reusable test head 73 may beremoved from the pipe segment 20 while the inflatable fastener mechanism80 is in the less inflated state.

To help further illustrate, an example of a process 170 for selectivelyremoving a reusable test head 73 from a pipe segment 20 is described inFIG. 26. Generally, the process 170 includes transitioning an inflatablefastener mechanism of a reusable test head from a more inflated state toa less inflated state (process block 172). Additionally, the process 170includes withdrawing pipe segment tubing from an annulus cavity of thereusable test head (process block 174).

Although described in a specific order, which corresponds with anembodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that theexample process 170 is merely intended to be illustrative andnon-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process 170 forselectively removing a reusable test head 73 from a pipe segment 20 mayinclude one or more additional process blocks and/or omit one or more ofthe depicted process blocks. For example, some embodiment of the process170 may additionally include disengaging an axial fastener mechanismfrom pipe segment tubing (process block 176) while other embodiments ofthe process 170 do not. Moreover, in some embodiments, the process 170may be performed at least in part by executing instructions stored in atangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium, such as memory 52 ina testing device 40, using processing circuitry, such as a processor 50in the testing device 40.

For example, in some such embodiments, a testing device 40 in a testingsystem 38 may instruct the testing system 38 to transition an inflatablefastener mechanism (e.g., bladder) 80 of a reusable test head 73 from amore inflated state to a less inflated state (process block 172). Asdescribed above, in some embodiments, an inflatable fastener mechanism80 may include an inflatable bladder 104 that is fluidly coupled to aninflation port 86 on a reusable test head shell 74 and/or an inflationfluid conduit 90 that extends through the inflation port 86.Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, an inflation port86 on a reusable test head shell 74 and/or an inflation fluid conduit 90that extends therethrough may be fluidly coupled to one or moreinflation fluid sources 88.

Thus, to facilitate transitioning an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 toa less inflated state, in such embodiments, a testing device 40 mayselectively instruct an inflation fluid source 88 in the testing system38 extract inflation fluid out from the inflatable bladder 104 of theinflatable fastener mechanism 80. Additionally or alternatively, thetesting device 40 may selectively instruct the testing system 38 torelease inflation fluid from the inflatable bladder 104, for example,into its external environment. In other embodiments, an operator (e.g.,user) may manually control inflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism80, for example, by selectively turning on an inflation fluid pumpand/or adjusting valve position of a value fluidly coupled to theinflatable fastener mechanism 80.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the less inflated state of theinflatable fastener mechanism 80 may be a fully deflated state. In otherembodiments, the less inflated state of the inflatable fastenermechanism 80 may be a partially inflated state. In any case, asdescribed above, the size of the inflatable bladder 104 of an inflatablefastener mechanism 80 and, thus, the force it exerts on its surroundingsgenerally varies with its inflation state. In other words, an inflatablefastener mechanism 80 in the reusable test head 73 may exert moreresistance against movement in the annulus cavity 78 while in a more(e.g., fully) inflated state and less resistance against movement in theannulus cavity 78 while in a less inflated state. As such, the tubing 22of a pipe segment 20 may be removed (e.g., withdrawn and/or slid out)from the annulus cavity 78 of the reusable test head 73 while one ormore of its inflatable fastener mechanisms 80 is in the less inflatedstate (process block 174).

As described above, in some embodiments, pneumatically adjustinginflation of an inflatable fastener mechanism 80 implemented in areusable test head 73 may enable actuation of a mechanical fastenermechanism—namely a pneumatically actuated mechanical fastener mechanism126—implemented in the reusable test head 73. In other words, in suchembodiments, decreasing inflation of the inflatable fastener mechanism80 may include pneumatically actuating the mechanical fastener mechanism(process block 178). Furthermore, as described above, in someembodiments, a reusable test head 73 may additionally be secured to pipesegment tubing 22 via engagement of one or more of its axial fastenermechanisms 127 with an outer surface of the pipe segment tubing 22.Thus, in such embodiments, selectively removing the reusable test head73 from the pipe segment tubing 22 may additionally include disengagingone or more axial fastener mechanisms 127 from the pipe segment tubing22 (process block 176).

As described above, in some embodiments, an axial fastener mechanism 127of a reusable test head 73 may include a tubing engaging component, suchas a tubing engaging clamp 131, and a support arm 133. Additionally, asdescribed above, in some embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 mayresist movement of pipe segment tubing 22 when compressed (e.g.,tightened) such that its inner surface 147 engages (e.g., contactsand/or squeezes) an outer surface of the pipe segment tubing 22. Thus,in such embodiments, disengaging an axial fastener mechanism 127 of areusable test head 73 may include loosening its tubing engaging clamp131 from around the pipe segment tubing 22 (process block 180). In otherwords, in such embodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be loosedfrom around the pipe segment tubing 22 at least in part by transitioningthe tubing engaging clamp 131 from a tightened state to a looser (e.g.,loosened) state. In particular, as described above, in some embodiments,a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be transitioned to a looser state atleast in part by loosening a nut 135 on a threaded end of bolt 137 thatextends through an opening in at least one clamp flange 139 of thetubing engaging clamp 131, for example, in addition to an opening in acorresponding support arm 133.

Moreover, as described above, in some embodiments, a tubing engagingclamp 131 may be secured to the shell 74 of a reusable test head 73 viaa corresponding support arm 133. Thus, in such embodiments, disengagingan axial fastener mechanism 127 may include disconnecting (e.g.,removing) its tubing engaging clamp 131 from a corresponding support arm133 (process block 182). In particular, as described above, in someembodiments, a tubing engaging clamp 131 may be coupled to a support arm133 via a nut 135 tightened on a threaded end of a bolt 137 that extendsthrough an opening in a clamp flange 139 of the tubing engaging clamp131 and an opening in the support arm 133. Thus, in such embodiments,the tubing engaging clamp 131 may be disconnected from the support arm133 at least in part by removing the nut 135 from the threaded end ofthe bolt 137.

In this manner, a reusable test head 73 may be selectively removed froma pipe segment 20. In fact, returning to the process 62 of FIG. 5, insome embodiments, the reusable test head 73 may then be used to test theintegrity of another pipe segment 20 and, thus, secured to the tubing 22of the other pipe segment 20, for example, in accordance with theprocess 138 of FIG. 24 (arrow 168). Thus, at least in some instances,implementing and/or operating a (e.g., reusable) test head in accordancewith the techniques described in the present disclosure may facilitateimproving testing efficiency of a pipeline system, for example, byobviating the use of a new (e.g., different) test head for testing eachpipe segment deployed or to be deployed in the pipeline system.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to alimited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefitof this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may bedevised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure asdescribed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should belimited only by the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A test head comprising: a shell, wherein the testhead is configured to be secured to an open end of a pipe segment suchthat the open end of the pipe segment is sealed therein and the shellcomprises: an end cap configured to cover the open end of the pipesegment; and an outer tube configured to be disposed circumferentiallyaround the pipe segment; an outer reusable fastener mechanism, whereinthe outer reusable fastener mechanism is configured to: runcircumferentially along an inner surface of the shell; and expandradially inward such that the outer reusable fastener mechanismcircumferentially engages a tubing outer surface of the pipe segment tofacilitate securing and sealing the open end of the pipe segment withinthe test head; an inner reusable fastener mechanism comprising aninflatable bladder, wherein the inflatable bladder is configured to bedisposed within a pipe bore of the pipe segment and to expand radiallyoutward such that the inflatable bladder circumferentially engages atubing inner surface of the pipe segment to facilitate securing andsealing the open end of the pipe segment within the test head; aninflation fluid port that opens through the shell; an inflation fluidconduit that fluidly connects the inflation fluid port to the inflatablebladder to enable inflation fluid to be supplied to the inflatablebladder, extracted from the inflatable bladder, or both; and a testingport that opens through the shell, wherein the testing port isconfigured to facilitate testing integrity of the pipe segment at leastin part by enabling test fluid to be supplied to a tubing annulus of thepipe segment, enabling annulus fluid to flow out from the tubing annulusof the pipe segment, or both.
 2. The test head of claim 1, comprising: atubing engaging clamp, wherein the tubing engaging clamp is configuredto be secured circumferentially around the pipe segment external to theshell; and a support arm configured to be secured to the tubing engagingclamp and the shell to facilitate securing the open end of the pipesegment within the test head.
 3. The test head of claim 2, comprising abolt and a nut, wherein: the tubing engaging clamp comprises a firstclamp flange having a first fastener opening and a second clamp flangehaving a second fastener opening; a threaded end of the bolt isconfigured to be inserted through the first fastener opening in thefirst clamp flange and the second fastener opening in the second clampflange; and the nut is configured to be tightened on the threaded end ofthe bolt to facilitate: tightening the tubing engaging clampcircumferentially around the pipe segment tubing; and securing thetubing engaging clamp to the support arm.
 4. The test head of claim 3,wherein: the support arm comprises a third fastener opening; and the nutis configured to secure the bolt through the first fastener opening inthe first clamp flange, the third fastener opening in the support arm,and the second fastener opening in the second clamp flange.
 5. The testhead of claim 4, comprising another bolt and another nut, wherein: theshell comprises a first shell flange having a fourth fastener openingand a second shell flange having a fifth fastener opening; the supportarm comprises a sixth fastener opening; and another threaded end of theanother bolt is configured to be inserted through the fourth fasteneropening in the first shell flange, the sixth fastener opening in thesupport arm, and the fifth fastener opening in the second shell flangeto facilitate securing the shell to the support arm.
 6. The test head ofclaim 2, comprising a nut, wherein: the tubing engaging clamp comprisesa first clamp flange and a second clamp flange; and the nut isconfigured to be tightened on a threaded shaft disposed between thefirst clamp flange and the second clamp flange to facilitate securingthe tubing engaging clamp to the support arm.
 7. The test head of claim2, comprising a nut, wherein: the shell comprises a first shell flangeand a second shell flange; and the nut is configured to be tightened ona threaded shaft disposed between the first shell flange and the secondshell flange to facilitate securing the shell to the tubing engagingclamp.
 8. The test head of claim 1, comprising: another inflation fluidport that opens through the shell, wherein the outer reusable fastenermechanism comprises another inflatable bladder; and another inflationfluid conduit that fluidly connects the another inflation fluid port tothe another inflatable bladder to enable inflation fluid to be suppliedto the another inflatable bladder, extracted from the another inflatablebladder, or both.
 9. The test head of claim 1, wherein the shellcomprises an inner tube configured to be at least partially insertedinto the pipe bore of the pipe segment, wherein the inflatable bladderof the inner reusable fastener mechanism is secured to the inner tube.10. The test head of claim 9, wherein the inner tube defines a borecavity that opens through the inflatable bladder of the inner reusablefastener mechanism to the pipe bore of the pipe segment.
 11. The testhead of claim 1, wherein the outer reusable fastener mechanism comprisesan electromagnetic fastener mechanism.
 12. A test head comprising: ashell within which an open end of pipe segment tubing is to be securedand sealed; an outer reusable fastener mechanism, wherein the outerreusable fastener mechanism is configured to: run circumferentiallyalong the shell; and expand radially inward such that the outer reusablefastener mechanism circumferentially engages an outer surface of thepipe segment tubing to facilitate securing and sealing the open end ofthe pipe segment tubing within the shell; an inner reusable fastenermechanism, wherein the inner reusable fastener mechanism is configuredto: be disposed within a pipe bore defined by the pipe segment tubing;and expand radially outward such that the inner reusable fastenermechanism circumferentially engages an inner surface of the pipe segmenttubing to facilitate securing and sealing the open end of the pipesegment tubing within the shell; and a testing port that opens throughthe shell such that the testing port is configured to be axially alignedwith an annulus of the pipe segment tubing, wherein the testing port isconfigured to facilitate testing integrity of the pipe segment tubing atleast in part by enabling test fluid to be supplied to a fluid conduitdefined within the annulus of the pipe segment tubing to pressurize theannulus of the pipe segment tubing.
 13. The test head of claim 12,comprising: a tubing engaging clamp, wherein the tubing engaging clampis configured to be secured circumferentially around the pipe segmenttubing external to the shell; and a support arm configured to be securedto the tubing engaging clamp and the shell to facilitate securing theopen end of the pipe segment tubing within the shell.
 14. The test headof claim 13, comprising a bolt and a nut, wherein: the tubing engagingclamp comprises a first clamp flange having a first fastener opening anda second clamp flange having a second fastener opening; a threaded endof the bolt is configured to be inserted through the first fasteneropening in the first clamp flange and the second fastener opening in thesecond clamp flange; and the nut is configured to be tightened on thethreaded end of the bolt to facilitate: tightening the tubing engagingclamp circumferentially around the pipe segment tubing; and securing thetubing engaging clamp to the support arm.
 15. The test head of claim 12,comprising: an inflation fluid port that opens through the shell,wherein the inner reusable fastener mechanism comprises an inflatablebladder; and an inflation fluid conduit that fluidly connects theinflation fluid port to the inflatable bladder to enable inflation fluidto be supplied to the inflatable bladder, extracted from the inflatablebladder, or both.
 16. The test head of claim 12, wherein the shellcomprises: an end cap configured to cover the open end of the pipesegment tubing; an outer tube configured to be disposedcircumferentially around the pipe segment tubing; and an inner tube,wherein: the inner reusable fastener mechanism is securedcircumferentially around the inner tube; and the inner tube defines abore cavity that opens through the inner reusable fastener mechanism tothe pipe bore defined by the pipe segment tubing.
 17. A method of usinga reusable test head, comprising: inserting an open end of a pipesegment into a shell of the reusable test head such that an outerreusable fastener mechanism is disposed circumferentially around thepipe segment and an inner reusable fastener mechanism is disposed withina pipe bore of the pipe segment, wherein the outer reusable fastenermechanism runs circumferentially along an inner surface of the shell;expanding the inner reusable fastener mechanism radially outward tocircumferentially engage a tubing inner surface of the pipe segment tofacilitate securing and sealing the open end of the pipe segment withinthe shell; expanding the outer reusable fastener mechanism radiallyinward to circumferentially engage a tubing outer surface of the pipesegment to facilitate securing and sealing the open end of the pipesegment within the shell; and testing integrity of the pipe segment atleast in part by supplying test fluid to a fluid conduit defined withina tubing annulus of the pipe segment via a testing port that opensthrough the shell.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the innerreusable fastener mechanism comprises an inflatable bladder; andexpanding the inner reusable fastener mechanism radially outwardcomprises supplying inflation fluid to the inflatable bladder via aninflation fluid port that opens through the shell.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, comprising: securing a support arm to the shell; andtightening a tubing engaging clamp around the pipe segment external tothe shell to facilitate securing the tubing engaging clamp to the pipesegment as well as the support arm.
 20. The method of claim 17,comprising: contracting the inner reusable fastener mechanism radiallyinward to disengage the inner reusable fastener mechanism from thetubing inner surface of the pipe segment; contracting the outer reusablefastener mechanism radially outward to disengage the outer reusablefastener mechanism from the tubing outer surface of the pipe segment;and sliding the shell of the reusable test head off of the open end ofthe pipe segment.